This week huddleUP connects with a very familiar organisation called GEM.
GEM is a mobile rewards platform for volunteers in South Africa who can earn points by doing community work, separating waste, planting trees etc, and then spend the GEMS on airtime, pre-paid electricity, data & movie tickets.
Users can download GEM via USSD by dialing *120*GEM1 # or as an app. Once they’ve signed in, they are able to see which volunteering opportunities are available in their area. When they’ve decided on a day and a place, the app tells them how many GEMs they’ll earn as a token of appreciation.
These GEMs are donated by corporate and public sector sponsors which are distributed evenly to the social partners that host these events.
GEM have officially signed up 600 volunteers since they launched their pilot projects in September last year. They are currently only based in Johannesburg, South Africa but in the next two years they will be rolling out in the rest of the country as well as other parts of Africa.
“Opening a GEM account is quick, easy and free and can be done via both smart and feature phone. Sign-up straight from your mobile and start earning GEMs – wherever you are.”
The next GEM event will be held on the 16 April in Lonehill, for a community clean up in the park and surrounding areas.
If you wish to join the team and come have some fun, please download the app or dial *120*GEM1# and register for the event.
Contact Details:
Facebook – GEM – https://www.facebook.com/gemproject.org
Twitter – @GEMproject_ https://twitter.com/GEMproject_
Instagram – gemproject_ http://www.gemproject.org/
