New Life Team

Prajwal Baral
 

Online volunteer Prajwal Baral coordinated an effective Internet marketing campaign, which helped the Indian NGO New Life attract people to run for its cause at the Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore Marathon 2009. Through the event, New Life was able to raise awareness and a considerable amount of funds for its projects such as medical assistance to children with disabilities, and early learning centres for the children of vulnerable groups.

Participants in the annual distance running event in Bangalore could sign up to run for a specific NGO and raise pledges in support of its activities. During the two months before the event, Prajwal spent about 20 hours per week online, coordinating the efforts of a team of 25 other online volunteers to spread the word about New Life and the marathon in social networking sites, discussion groups and social networks. “Prajwal is a very creative and enthusiastic young man and he proved to be a boon to us. He publicized the event more than we ever expected. The fruits of his efforts are currently driving some of our projects," says Beatrice Vanaja, the NGO’s online volunteer manager.

Prajwal Baral, native of Nepal / living in India: “Because of online volunteering, I am feeling very satisfied with my life. I feel that I am doing something for the cause of international peace and development. In fact, it was only after I started online volunteering that I could see the real needs of society and the international community first-hand. I was inspired to work in this field too and now I am running my own NGO in my country.”