Eayikes [say E-Yikes] is a non-profit built by 3 friends – Alex, Kyle, and Ray – that’s creating safe, creative spaces to help young folks make positive changes in their lives and their worlds. They aim to teach kids how to really listen and cultivating wonder.
“You’ll hear other people’s stories and experiences, things that haven’t happened to you and you can take their stories and add it to your life. Slowly you’ll let down your walls, you’ll break free and start your own thinking,” says Jahleel, an Eayikes Camper.
The 3 founders’ worked together at the Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP) of UC Irvine. The massive impact that being heard and validated had in helping incoming freshmen transition to college life stuck with them. That kind of emotional support became the foundation of all that Eayikes does.
Camps, workshops, and community service are just the tip of the iceberg, though. Eayikes gets creative – like impromptu cheer tunnels – to help youth engage, strengthen and improve their communities.
Imaginations are boundless, but sometimes it takes a little support to believe in your own.
Want to read another story like this? Building Beats is an organization that teaches kids all about the music business.
