As part of their "Virtual Worlds" course, students collaborated with Live and Learn in Kenya to raise donations through live concerts and avatar fashion shows in Second Life. The funds provided meals, books, and hope to children living in poverty in Kenya.

🌍 From Virtual Worlds to Real Impact: Çağ University Students Bring Hope to Children in Kenya

During the 2020–2021 Fall and Spring semesters, students from Çağ University collaborated with the Germany-based non-profit organization Live and Learn in Kenya (LLK) as part of their “Virtual Worlds” course. LLK is dedicated to lifting children in Kenya’s Ronda/Barut slum areas out of poverty and permanently improving their living conditions and futures.

As their final project, students developed a powerful initiative that combined digital creativity with real-world impact. On the Second Life virtual world platform, they organized live concerts and a virtual fashion show featuring avatar clothing they designed themselves. The events were held in the long-standing charitable region of Second Life known as Lavender Field, home to the “Feed a Smile” initiative.

 

Through in-world donation boards, users from all over the world joined the events and contributed funds. The donations were used to provide meals and books for children in Kenya supported by LLK. During certain events, donations also supported ongoing school construction projects for the local community.

This project became a powerful example of how students can use digital platforms not only as learning environments but also as tools for social change. By engaging in this initiative, students improved their digital skills while contributing meaningfully to a global cause—proving that virtual worlds can truly create real-world impact.

📸 Below are images of the support provided with the donations collected through this inspiring project.