We really can make a difference, and even if it’s only for a small group of children, seeing the children’s progress throughout the years and being part of that is really rewarding.

Mikayla Enriquez

By Annette Aucamp

One way to harness the privileges and opportunities offered to students at Granada Hills Charter (GHC) is through clubs. Leora Trust is a prime example of how students can participate in community service activities through our numerous student groups. The Leora Trust organization, founded by women in 2012, focuses on providing an education to underprivileged youth in Delhi, India, and has spread its message to 13 schools across America and India so far. 

GHC’s Leora Trust chapter was established during the 2020-2021 school year. Ever since its inception, it has been dedicated to helping underprivileged youth in India.

When joining the club, Leora Trust members are first taught how to tutor and then paired with elementary to middle-school-aged students in Delhi. The trainers teach conversational English to their international partner students. The trainers meet and engage with their students over Zoom twice a week.

According to Leora Trust, one of the requirements to reach success in India is to be able to speak English. However, many people are not taught proper English linguistic skills, which offsets their ability to make a life for themselves.

“It’s important that they have access to a second language and know English because it gives them access to better opportunities and jobs,” junior and Leora Trust President Mikayla Enriquez said.

Leora Trust incorporates cultural topics into their lessons, providing their partner students with extra tutoring and education on a wide range of topics. GHC’s branch of Leora Trust plans to do the same during the 2024-2025 school year by adding geography lessons to their curriculum. Students will be able to learn about regions that they are interested in while also gaining insight into world geography.

“I want to be able to have a specific niche that we have only at Granada and something that we can contribute back to the organization,” Enriquez said.

This club can aid underprivileged youth in more ways than just tutoring them. Girls are marginalized in India and often receive less food than boys, leaving them underfed and malnourished. To combat this, Leora Trust organizes fundraisers in which t-shirts and other items are sold. All proceeds are allocated to underprivileged girls in India, providing them with money for food in the hopes that they will be able to receive proper nutrition.

Overall, Leora Trust allows GHC students to give back to those in need in a meaningful way.

“Leora Trust means a lot to me because the cause and what we are doing for the children is so beneficial to their growth and future,” Enriquez said.

If you are interested in joining Leora Trust in its mission to aid underprivileged youth in India, biweekly meetings are held during lunch.