From a viral video with 2.6 million views to €4,000 for two public schools

How a study tips video that began as a volunteer initiative reached over 2.6 million views and turned into meaningful support for two public schools in Attica, Greece.

When 17-year-old Sophia Fotakidi joined Desmos’ “Teens for Teens” programme, which encourages young people to volunteer by sharing their knowledge, skills and interests, she decided to share something she knew well: studying.

Drawing on her own experience as a student, she created a YouTube video offering practical advice on organising schoolwork and developing more effective study habits. Published on her YouTube channel, the video surpassed 2.6 million views, inspiring young people from all over the world.

As the video’s audience grew, it also began generating revenue through YouTube, eventually earning €2,000. Sophia decided to donate the entire amount to support children’s education, building on the purpose of her original volunteering project, via the “Desmos for Schools” programme.

Furthermore, she invited family, friends and members of her wider community to contribute to a fundraising campaign, matching the initial amount. Together with the video’s earnings, this brought the total to €4,000!

Sophia’s contribution enabled Desmos to meet needs previously identified by two public schools in Attica: the 39th Kindergarten of Athens, in Kolonos, and the Special Primary School of Piraeus for Children with Autism.

Sophia’s donation provided the kindergarten with two computers, two Bee-Bots and a children’s bookshelf. Bee-Bots are small programmable robots that introduce young children to basic coding, sequencing and problem-solving through play. The special school received storage cabinets, relaxation armchairs to help students with sensory regulation, as well as supplies and equipment for organising educational materials, including folders, laminating sheets and machines.

Sophia’s story didn’t stop at YouTube! On Thursday, 22 October 2026, Sophia and Desmos appeared on “Syndeseis” (Connections), a programme on Greece’s public broadcaster ERT, where they talked about the story behind the viral video, the €4,000 raised and the importance of youth volunteering.

The appearance on ERT was just the beginning! Sophia’s story was picked up by dozens of news outlets and received an outpouring of positive comments on social media. The public response was heartwarming, with many people expressing their admiration for her initiative.

For Sophia, however, the most important part was not the publicity, but the fact that she had been able to help other children. As she put it:

“I never expected a video about studying to reach so many people. The messages and the response I received were really touching. But what makes me happiest is knowing that, in the end, all of this helped other children. It’s wonderful to think that something I started simply to share what I know could end up making a meaningful difference to others.”

Sophia’s story reminds us that anyone can create lasting impact, regardless of age.