Schools

Archer Student Emboldens Peers to Social Activism

Through her philanthropic ideas from LemonAID Warriors, eighth grade student Lulu Cerone encourages many of her peers at the Brentwood school and elsewhere to participate in the "Walk for Water" to help dig wells in Africa.

Dozens of Archer School students took to Ventura Boulevard in Studio City April 26 carrying one-gallon water jugs over their heads for two miles to show compassion for people in need in developing worlds.

The third annual "Walk for Water" coincided with the 14th birthday of Archer student Lule Cerone, who's been spearheading the "philanthro-party" as founder of the organization LemonAID Warriors. She launched the organization when she was 10 years old.

The mission of Cerone, of Sherman Oaks, is two-fold: first, to fund the digging of wells in Africa for water-deprived villages; second, to make year-round philanthropy and giving an expected part of everyday life, beginning with school-age children. Essentially, she's taken the stereotypic business venture for kids - a lemonade stand - and has used it as a metaphor for taking a stand against suffering, injustice, hardship and the simple human need for clean water.

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The "Walk for Water" encourages fundraising and awareness to three wells serving 1,200 people living in rural villages in Africa, which have so far been facilitated by LemondAID Warriors' work. For many years, Cerone has requested in-kind donations such as blankets or coats, which she donates to local shelters, en lieu of birthday gifts for herself, and encourages her peers to do the same.

"We had more kids participating and the extra energy was amazing," Cerrone said. "We made a powerful visual impact, carrying our jugs of water and holding signs during Friday rush hour. It was exciting when cars honked and people stopped to ask about our cause because raising awareness is just as important as raising funds."

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Cerone said the walk took them along the Los Angeles Rver Walk, so seeing the slimy green water and smelling the stench also helped them physically understand the situation they are helping to fix.

"Children our age in Africa walk for miles to get water that makes them sick," she said. "After the walk on Friday, we all understood the situation a lot better and instead of feeling bad about it."

LemonAID Warriors has raised approximately $12,000 over the three years of the Walk for Water, Cerone said. She plans to go to Africa in June to visit some of the projects she's funded over the years and choose new projects.

"The global good that this event creates is amazing," Cerone added.
"But the day-to-day value is really important, too. I think this kind of event makes us all kinder and more peaceful in our daily lives."

Cerone encourages others to come to the LemonAID Warriors website and get inspired, since the Walk for Water is one of many ideas she's created for a "philanthro-party."

"I can turn any gathering into an opportunity to give," Cerone notes. "Even small gatherings, like sleepovers or back yard barbecues, or even a trip to the mall can be given a simple 'LemonAID Twist' that ends up helping a cause."

Recently, Cerone partnered with Mattel's Monster High brand to share her ideas with literally millions of their fans. Together, they created a Ghouls Helping Ghouls campaign to inspire girls to take action in their community by throwing "Philanthro-parties" of their own. 

"It is my dream to make social activism part of my generation's social life," Cerone added. "Working with Monster High has been a dream come true."

View this YouTube video from Cerone's Walk for Water.

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