Strengthening generations to come through Organ and Blood Donation Campaigns

In a world where the gift of life can be transformed through acts of kindness, a group of remarkable students took it upon themselves to raise awareness about the critical importance of organ and blood donation.

The journey began with a seed of inspiration that germinated within the hearts of these students. They recognized the urgent need to create awareness around organ and blood donation, understanding that a single act of kindness could save numerous lives. Fuelled by their empathy and the desire to make a tangible difference, they set out to embark on a journey that would touch the lives of many.

The dynamic duo:

• Tanaya Patil – Grade 10, Indira National School, Pune
• Abhed Patavardhan – Grade 11, National Hill View Public School, Bengaluru

Abhed shares his motivation to take on this project saying, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. One great issue we face today is inaccessibility of medicare, and a peculiar thing about it is that we don’t realise how prominent it is in our society. Every person can make a positive difference in the world by doing a small bit.”

In their relentless pursuit of spreading awareness about organ donation, the students went above and beyond by creating a comprehensive survey on the topic. With thoughtful questions and a desire to capture valuable insights, they launched the survey online and encouraged community members to participate. To their delight, over 600 individuals responded, providing a wealth of information that not only shaped the students’ campaign but also shed light on prevailing perceptions and misconceptions surrounding organ donation.

The survey results became a powerful tool for the students, enabling them to tailor their messaging and address the specific concerns and barriers identified by the community. This data-driven approach further strengthened the impact of their campaign and underscored their commitment to ensuring that the voices and needs of the community were heard and considered.

Some of the key findings from the surveys were, although most people are aware that organs can be donated, the survey found that around 10% of people are not aware that organs can be donated both while alive and after death. For example, a kidney, a lobe of the liver or a lung, part of the pancreas, and a part of the intestines can be transplanted while the donor is still alive.

Regarding knowledge of what organs can be transplanted, the survey found that the majority of people know that eyes, kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas, and blood can be donated. However, less than 30% of people know that bones can also be donated. The survey also found that only 45% of respondents know that skin cells can be transplanted.

Through their collaborative efforts, Tanaya and Abhed witnessed a transformation within their community. The campaign resulted in increased awareness about organ and blood donation, dispelled misconceptions, and inspired individuals to take the crucial step of registering as donors. The partnerships with community health centres further strengthened the infrastructure for organ and blood donation, ensuring a sustainable impact beyond the duration of the campaign.

The students’ organ and blood donation campaign, nurtured by their collaboration with TribesforGOOD, serves as a shining example of youth-driven initiatives that bring about positive change. Their unwavering dedication, thoughtful planning, and inclusive approach empowered their community and fostered a culture of compassion and altruism. By partnering with community health centres and taking their campaign online, they expanded their reach and created a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

As their campaign continues to inspire and ignite conversations, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense impact that we as individuals can make.

Over 1750 Young ChangeMakers have made a positive impact in their community and have worked on crucial topics impacting 5000+ young students and adults from economically weaker sections. They have gathered new skills, networked with industry experts and other ChangeWarriors, and found solutions to real-world problems, all in a few weeks!

To start your changemaking journey apply to Global Challenges & Social Justice Summer Program today.