Kids have the power to change the world. An Irvine, Cal. teen read a news story this year about the work Playworks is doing in Southern California to engage students at school recess and prevent bullying on the playground. The Los Angeles Times article shared a study from Mathematica Policy Research and Stanford University that shows schools with Playworks promote positive social development and have less bullying than schools without Playworks.
Thirteen year-old Joel Abecassis saw this and knew he wanted to help. With $2,500 from his bar mitzvah and his family’s matching amount, Abecassis donated $5,000 to promote play and positive social development and prevent bullying in schools. His donation will help Playworks Southern California promote safe, healthy and inclusive play and physical activity for 14,000 students in 25 low-income Los Angeles and Orange County schools.
Following his donation, Joel joined Playworks on the playground at Jefferson Elementary School in Santa Ana. Donning his new Playworks shirt, he got to playing himself. He join a game of basketball, hula hoop tag and more, all the while leading the other students with his positive attitude and giving spirit.
Abecassis sets a great example for all of us. Valuing play and the prevention of bullying in schools, he set out to engage in our work through both his time and his money. It’s youth leaders like Joel that make us all hopeful for our future.
Thanks, Joel!!
