SCH Twins Find Joy in Horizons Volunteering

For SCH twins, Yaya and Bezi Merid, volunteering with the Horizons at SCH has become a cherished tradition. Now in their third year of service, the sisters, who will be juniors at SCH this year, have witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress of the young scholars.

This summer, nearly 40 SCH students and other teenage students from the community volunteered throughout the summer program.

What truly sets this experience apart, say the twins, is the infectious enthusiasm of the children at morning drop-off. “The best part of our day is how excited the kids are to see them and each other,” Yaya explains.

Their roles as volunteers extend beyond simple supervision, encompassing mentorship and instruction. Yaya particularly enjoys the opportunity to teach swimming. “It’s fun to be here with the kids, especially in the pool,” she says.

Bezi echoes her sister’s sentiments, emphasizing the rewarding nature of witnessing the students' development over time. “It’s been fun getting to know the students and seeing their growth from the beginning to now," says Bezi. "It’s really rewarding to see them look up to you.”

The twins' dedication to the Horizons program highlights the positive impact of student volunteers in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for young learners. Their consistent presence and commitment have created a sense of stability and mentorship that resonates deeply with the children they serve.

Horizons at SCH provides a six-week, tuition-free summer program for students from under-resourced communities. The program aims to close the opportunity gap and empower students to succeed academically and personally, with the help of dedicated volunteers like Yaya and Bezi.