Student Leader Inspires Change Through Education and Service on Pine Ridge Reservation
United States, 11th Sep 2025 – VoicED, an education and mentorship platform, is proud to spotlight the remarkable efforts of Shivane Senthilkumaran, a junior at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, who has dedicated his summers to supporting children at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Through his initiative, Shivane is working to bring educational resources, joy, and hope to disadvantaged youth while inspiring others to join his mission of lasting change.
Shivane teaching a student English and grammar at the reservation.
The Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Lakota Native Americans, faces severe economic and social hardships. Families live on an average annual income of just $7,000, with many parents struggling with substance abuse. Poverty and hunger are widespread, and the dangers faced by children are real and urgent. “During my time there, I learned that a child had tragically lost their life to stray dogs. It underscored for me the dire need to step up and make a difference,” said Shivane.
Determined to help, Shivane launched a fundraiser for the Pine Ridge Children’s Center, baking 400 cupcakes to raise $1,500. The funds are being used to purchase books from Native American and diverse authors, board games such as Chutes and Ladders and Monopoly, and a new bookshelf to build a mini-library on-site. In addition, Shivane created goodie bags filled with toys, slime, kinetic sand, and other fun items for children to take home.
“I wanted to create both a learning space and a place for joy,” Shivane shared. “Even small efforts can help these children feel valued, and I hope others will be inspired to join me in making a bigger impact.”
VoicED invites the community to support Shivane’s ongoing efforts as he prepares for future summers of teaching, fundraising, and expanding the library at Pine Ridge.
Reach out and join Shivane in his future efforts to continue to grow the teaching efforts and the library he built this summer. His efforts are ongoing, but the visit and teaching are in summer next year, from July 1 to August 31, 2026.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.voicedacademy.com or reach out directly.
About VoicED
VoicED is an education and mentorship initiative dedicated to empowering students to find their voice, unlock their potential, and create lasting social impact. Based in San Jose, California, VoicED provides guidance, resources, and opportunities for young people to grow academically, personally, and as community leaders. Through student-driven projects, service initiatives, and innovative learning experiences, VoicED inspires individuals to step beyond traditional academics and engage meaningfully with the world around them. The company also equips the next generation to shape a brighter, more equitable future by fostering leadership, resilience, and purpose.
Company Details
Organization: VoicED
Contact Person: Shivane Senthilkumar
Website: https://voicedacademy.com/
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Release Id: 11092533740