Toronto Star

Empowering Youth of All Ages

- Rebecca Cuthbert

Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a positive force and role model in every way. The18-year-old rose to fame after starring in multiple Disney Channel series— and she’s had major success in standing upfor what she believes in. Her first book, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clap back (2019), shares her takes on self- acceptance and girl empowermen­t. We asked for her advice on feeling empowered and dealing with bullying.

Having struggled with bullying first-hand, what’s your advice for other teens out there who have been bullied by their peers?

The first thing I want to say is: it will get better. My advice is to never be shy about telling a friend or an adult about what’s going on. You might be nervous, but don’t be — your friends and family are there to help you.

Right To Play is a global organizati­on that protects, educates, and empowers children and youth to rise above adversity using the power of play. It reaches 2.3 million children each year in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on Earth, helping them to stay in school and graduate, resist exploitati­on, overcome prejudice, prevent disease, and heal from the traumas of war. The organizati­on does this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamenta­l forces in a child’s life, to teach the critical skills needed to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunit­ies, both in learning and in life.

This month, Right ToPlay is launching its newest event, the Play It Forward virtual challenge. It’s open to anyone willing to engage in their playful side for a good cause — no matter their age. From June 18 to July 1, a new daily challenge will be issued to keep participan­ts connected, active, and having fun while empowering millions around the world, including Indigenous children and youth in Canada. Friends and family can sponsor participan­ts, earning them morepoints — and more chances to win one of the top prizes.

Now more than ever, Right To Play needs the help of supporters to fund critical programmin­g throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised will benefit Right To Play’s mission and ensure that programs can continue in Canada and in the 14 other countries in which it operates.

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