60 million children worldwide lack access to education, oftentimes without the resources and infrastructure to make a change in their lives. Last year at Oak Park High School, campus  club Rays of Hope was created as a way for students to take matters into their own hands. 

The inspiration behind the club began with current OPHS junior and club president, Meera Shreedhar.

“Having visited my parents’ home countries of Zambia and India, and even frequently traveling to Los Angeles for dance – it is clear that the majority of children are without basic necessities and rights,” Shreedhar wrote to the Talon. “Because of this reason, I created Rays of Hopes to help underprivileged youth across the world gain access to things like housing, healthcare and education.”

Last year, through fundraising and collaborating with organizations, the club board and its members saw great success in their events and fundraisers. 

“We started off [last] year very strong, raising over $3,000 through a Snap! raise,” vice president and junior Maegan Daley wrote to the Talon. “This money went to an organization called Interface, a homeless shelter for children, and was used for clothing, Christmas gifts and other things. We’re very thankful for everyone who contributed and are excited for the future projects.”

This year, they are continuing to expand their mission, helping not only a greater demographic of people in the Ventura County area, but also moving internationally. 

“I love getting to see the impact we make across communities,” Shreedar wrote. “It’s so meaningful, and truly shows that when you wholeheartedly believe in a cause and work hard enough, you can make a difference.”