A local tween is stepping up big for her fellow students.
Jay'dha Rackard is on a mission to help other students that are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It all started back when Jay'dha was just 10-years-old and organized her first ever rally to combat a huge issue at her school - used needles on the playground.
According to WBZ, she called for increased safety measures at her school in the South End and started shining a light on the root of the problem: the school's proximity to the so-called Methadone Mile.
Jay'dha didn't stop there. She brought her concerns to Mayor Marty Walsh and started collecting and donating clothes, deodorant and toothbrushes to those struggling on the streets.
And now, she's got a whole new project on her hands. Jay'dha noticed her classmates struggling amid the pandemic with feeling isolated, and wanted to do something about it.
So, Jay'dha applied for and won a $20,000 grant from the Boston Public Health Commission that she used to design a self-care workshop.
Over this past February school break, she gathered a small group of friends, took them to her brother's recording studio about how the pandemic is making them feel. The students opened up saying that they feel tired and depressed.
Jay'dha and the other students made salt scrubs, crafted custom t-shirts, and made masks with positive messages. They took dance lessons, and wrote poems.
Jay'dha is just 12-years-old and is already changing the world. She is determined to make sure current leaders are listening to the children in their communities.
Brought to you by City of Boston Credit Union - Uniquely Boston.
