BackStage Story: The Scout who got his entire unit new uniforms and still had money to donate to others
Dženis Skopljak is the Scout who raised money to get his unit of 21 new uniforms, scarves and unit badges through the Scout Donation Platform, and still had enough left over to help two other projects. Do you remember the first time you wore your Scout uniform? We do. In this month’s BackStage Story, we spoke to a young Scout from Bosnia and Herzegovina who not only raised US$600 so his entire unit could have uniforms, but also donated 20% of the funds to another two projects on the Scout Donation Platform, helping to build hope with music in Uruguay and break the menstrual hygiene taboo in Madagascar.
Dženis, please tell us about yourself
Sure, I'm Dženis Skopljak and I'm 25 years old. I am an architect, just graduated last year. I've been a Scout since 2011, and in 2016 a friend and I decided to start our own unit in our home Topčić Polje, in central Bosnia and Herzegovina
Where did you get the idea for the project?
I saw a presentation of the Scout Donation Platform at the live campfires shared on Facebook, broadcasted from the last World Scout Moot in 2017 in Iceland, and it took me by surprise. By that time, we had troubles with the HQ we were using so I told my friends, "Hey maybe we can try crowdfunding the repairs of our headquarters!" but after talking it over we decided that it would be better to get uniforms for our Scouts.
Why did you decide to fundraise money for the 21 uniforms instead of repairing your HQ?
Well, a Scout uniform gives each Scout their identity and can be recognized in their community. We started this Scout funding campaign as an attempt to provide the members of our group with a set of Scout shirt and pants to represent Scouting on the best possible way.
What was your reaction when your project got funded?
At first, I couldn't believe it and honestly, I didn't think it would, but it was important to at least try, not knowing whether it was going to succeed or not. I was incredibly surprised.
Have you got the uniforms yet?
Yes! We have already used them in many Scout activities, competitions, camping. We have a competition coming next week and our unit will be there with their uniforms!
You used 80% of the funds for your project and decided to donate the rest to another two projects on the platform, why?
In May 2014, our community was hit by floods and landslides, help, medical equipment, food, water, tools, clothes came here from all over the world. I guess that after we got all that support it was now our time to give back to the community and we believe it is very important to share. In general, if we decided to share a little bit more and give things we don't need to someone who does, this world of ours would be a less complicated place to live in.
What would you recommend to Scouts planning to raise funds on the Scout Donation Platform?
Just try it, you would be surprised. Our project is the proof that there are people out there willing to donate, and you never know, your project could be the next one getting funded.
Do you want to get more stories like this every month, straight away to your inbox? Click here to sign up to receive BackStage Stories, a monthly newsletter curated by the Scout Donation Platform team. No spamming just inspiring stories by Scouts around the globe and new projects near you.
Now it's your turn! Create a project or Donate now