Co-founder and chief digital officer at Firewater, Alon Berman, says the session was arranged after he noticed the massive gap between what organisations were doing with limited resources and what their actual potential was.
"There are so many organisations that do not understand digital. No one has taken the time to show them the basics and equip them. It was an honour to be able to take these organisations – which do so much good in our communities – and help them."
The session was focussed on forming digital strategies, understanding search marketing, crowdfunding, social media, and how organisations should be managing their public relations.
Tania van Heerden of Epilepsy Awareness South Africa adds, "It was a lot to take in, but very informative. I actually feel empowered after the session. We did not grow up with these tools and the lingo. Even if we are only able to use 50% of the knowledge it would be helpful."
"We will use the knowledge from the session to improve our website, improve our Facebook page, and improve our communication – not only with just media but with the public, with people, and how to get them to donate," she adds.
Van Heerden says for an organisation such as Epilepsy Awareness South Africa, which is run by volunteers, funds were always a problem and they found they were spending their own money a lot of the time because of a lack of donations.
Van Heerden concludes, "I feel like I have just been to varsity. Three years all crammed into four hours, all about social media. It was wonderful for us."
For more information, visit www.firewater.net.