Avni Parikh, Neighbor

Avni, a recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, devotes countless hours to volunteering and learning about communities in India and Kenya. Avni is also a girl scout, a tennis player, and a proud member of her high school’s speech and debate team.

In 2007, when Avni was about twelve years old, she spent the day at the Nairobi Children’s Home in Kenya. The children present were victims of abuse, sex trafficking, or abandonment; I was humbled by their gratitude for the little they had and their fierce desire for an education. She left the orphanage with a newfound determination to help the most neglected and underprivileged youth have access to basic necessities and an education. <br> <br>By 2009, with the help of her friends, they launched the social enterprise, Let&#39;s Hope International. Over the past two years, they have held numerous bake sales and jewelry boutiques, raising thousands of dollars to support projects helping over 700 children pursue a better quality education education.