IN a previous column I explained why I was helping to raise money for Crayons Count, the initiative started by Do Good Jamaica founder Deika Morrison that seeks to make learning kits available in every early childhood learning centre across Jamaica.

We set out to raise money via crowd funding — donations via the Web from individuals. It has been used successfully for businesses, projects and non-profits all over the world, but mainly in the USA. I was willing to apply my knowledge from successfully funding a small personal film last year to help raise money and awareness.

The month of May was chosen and we set out to prove that Jamaicans all over the world would contribute if given an easy, transparent way to do so. Also, this was going to be an interesting way to get the word out. Using e-mail, Facebook and Twitter we managed to raise US$5,770 directly via the website and an additional US$6,000 offline, along with commitments for a further US$10,000 by some of our larger donors who will reach into the networks. We have also received immense support from Consul General Sandra Grant-Griffiths based in South Florida.

Donations ranged from as little as US$5 to as much as US$500. Donors came from all over, but were mainly from the USA and Jamaica. To my knowledge this is now the most money ever raised for a charity in Jamaica via crowd funding.

The country is facing challenges, and the education budget is under pressure. It gives me pleasure to know that I have been able to allow others to contribute in a meaningful way to education in Jamaica. If Jamaica 50 is spent reflecting on the past, then we have no future. Jamaica 50 must also be about the future, with special focus on future generations.

Education is the foundation of any country, and to every donor and person who helped spread the word I must say a public ‘thank you’. You have not only helped to make history, but you have proven that Jamaicans everywhere really care about the future of the country, regardless of where you happen to call home right now.

Technology has come very far since the invention of the Web browser, and it is my hope that we have inspired other people to look for new ways to solve old problems. The world is not yet totally flat, but it is much smaller thanks to the Internet and the World Wide Web.

On my most recent trip to Jamaica I was pleased to see the Crayons Count logo on National bakery trucks and on the bread bags (my wife designed the logo) and to know that I am helping in my own way to give back to the country that helped shape me into the person I am today.

It is my sincere hope that even though times are tough and more taxes are upon us, we as Jamaicans will pull closer together to continue to accomplish great things. It is in our blood.

The words “Work hard, dig deep, and soon you’ll reach and rule your destiny” from Cezar’s song Rule Your Destiny resonate with me at this time and I hope that it will resonate with all Jamaicans in this our 50th year of Independence.

David Mullings was the first Future Leaders representative for the USA on the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board. He can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/davidmullings and Facebook at https://facebook.com/InteractiveDialogue