I’m Just a Kid But I’m Making a Difference—Here’s How Your Child Can Too

Maya Rashid is a 17-year-old high school student and the founder of Project Celebrate, a global nonprofit that brings joy and support to children in foster care, homeless shelters and other underserved communities. Since launching, Maya has recruited more than 800 teen volunteers and helped improve the lives of thousands of kids around the world. She also collaborates with local governments and the United Nations on youth advocacy initiatives. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I first got the inspiration to start Project Celebrate when I was in eighth grade. I’d gone to a sleepaway camp that offered spots for kids in foster care or from families who couldn’t otherwise afford to attend. That’s where I met my friend Rose. She told me about her experience in foster care, and one thing that really stuck with me was that she hadn’t had the chance to celebrate her birthday—no party, no presents, nothing that was just for her.

After that summer, I started volunteering at a local foster home near where I live in New York. I got to know the kids there who were only a few years younger than me, and with the help of a local foster agency I started Project Celebrate when I was 14. What started as a few birthday parties has now grown into a youth-led nonprofit with chapters in 31 countries, more than 850 volunteers and over 6,000 kids impacted through celebrations, holiday events and even career development programs.

And while I’ve learned a lot about things like fundraising and paperwork, I’ve also learned that kids want to make the world a better place. But it can be kind of intimidating to volunteer and they just don’t always know where to start—here are three ways to get involved. 

When I started Project Celebrate, I wasn’t organizing international events—I was making birthday cards at school with my friends. And we now have clubs in 40 schools that do the same thing. Starting small makes helping feel possible.

The reason we’ve grown so much is honestly because of the internet and social media. Platforms like TikTok and VolunteerMatch have helped us reach kids around the world who want to make a difference. You never know who might see your post and want to join in.

As a high school student talking to agencies and other grown-ups, it’s not always easy for me to get taken seriously. That’s why having mentors—like my teacher Mr. Darby and a nonprofit leader I met at an internship named Nada—has been so important. Whether it’s helping organize calls or giving advice, adults can help get your ideas off the ground. 

Kids want to help other people. And with a little help, they can!