Young Change-Maker: Amit Boiman Takes a Stand Against Educational Inequity
By Eric Steckel | August 15, 2024
How a Seventh-Grader’s Passion for Social Justice is Helping Oakland Kids Learn Reading and Math
Amit chose to support children learning reading and math. He was guided by his love for children and his mother’s advice on the importance of education.
When you were in seventh grade, what concerned you?
I seem to recall being worried I wouldn’t have enough money for pizza and a popsicle at the community pool.
Amit Boiman may be different from typical teens. For Amit, who just completed seventh grade at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, it’s the school-to-prison pipeline.
Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is unique. As one of the few Jewish day schools in the Bay Area, it combines the qualities of a traditional private school with Jewish and Hebrew language studies. The school emphasizes values like tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (righteous giving).
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Work for the world.
The Avodah L’Olam program teaches students to “work for the world.” Coinciding with their Bar Mitzvah year, seventh-graders at Gideon Hausner are encouraged to step up as young Jewish adults and choose a cause they are passionate about. The students pool their Bar Mitzvah money and distribute the money equally among the groups they select. (No pizza and popsicles for these change makers!)
“My mom said if there’s anything to put time and effort into, it’s education. Tutoring is a chance at life.”
Amit chose to support Children Rising. He was guided by his love for children and his mother’s advice on the importance of education.
“My mom said if there’s anything to put time and effort into, it’s education. Tutoring is a chance at life,” Amit explains, understanding how crucial educational support is in breaking the cycle of poverty.
A recent visit to Oakland sparked Amit’s concern over educational inequity. He began to think about the “school-to-prison pipeline” that ensnares so many children in Oakland. He did a Google search and found Children Rising.
Amit was particularly inspired when he read about Children Rising’s foundation in a church in Oakland. “The quote from Jeremiah 29:7—‘Seek the shalom of the city’—caught my attention. The connection between the Jewish faith and Christian values inspired me.”
“Oakland is a center of the problem, and Children Rising is making a difference,” He said. “I want to visit Oakland again and see what Children Rising is doing.”
Supported by his teachers and parents, Amit’s advocacy extended beyond his school. He sparked conversations among parents about the lifeline tutoring provides to young students. Even younger students showed curiosity and engagement.
In June, a $1,000 gift from the Avodah L’Olam project arrived in the mail. Although we knew a gift was arriving, we were overawed. It was beyond generous.
“Amit’s story is a beautiful reminder that when young hearts and minds are dedicated to making a difference, the impact is profound.”
I asked Amit how it feels.
“I couldn’t wait until you asked this question! It’s my biggest accomplishment in life,” Amit said enthusiastically. “I think of how many children can be saved from a life of poverty. I want to continue doing this, even through high school.”
In addition to his passion for education, Amit is also an aspiring filmmaker. We are excited about the potential of collaborating with him on projects that can further spread awareness about the progress children make through one-on-one tutoring.
Amit’s story is a beautiful reminder that when young hearts and minds are dedicated to making a difference, the impact is profound. We are incredibly thankful for Amit’s support and look forward to seeing his continued positive influence on our community and beyond.
Thank you, Amit, for your heart for children and commitment to working for the world. You are giving children a fairer chance to succeed in school and life through your sacrifice.
