Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye is extending his philanthropic efforts to support over 1,000 homeless students in Los Angeles as they conclude the school year. Partnering with the L.A.-based nonprofit organization School on Wheels, the four-time Grammy winner aims to address the educational challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tesfaye’s generous donation to School on Wheels will facilitate tutoring services, literacy tools, and connections to post-high school mentorship opportunities through the BUS (Believe-Understand-Succeed) program. Additionally, the
initiative will provide technology assistance, including Chromebooks and other laptops, internet access, and specialized software programs such as Renaissance Star Assessments, MyOn, and Freckle. These tools aim to enhance learning skills and tailor the curriculum to meet the individual educational needs of the students of Los Angeles.This philanthropic endeavor aligns with Tesfaye’s commitment to positively impact communities. In recent years, he has made significant donations to charitable organizations in Ethiopia and Lebanon. Furthermore, he contributed
$1 million to support MusiCares and COVID relief for hospital workers in his native province of Ontario. Also, through his XO Humanitarian Fund, he directed $2.5 million to Gaza, a contribution set to furnish over four million meals for those impacted by the conflict. Collaborating with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and holding the title of Goodwill Ambassador since October 2021, The Weeknd’s initiative is making a substantial impact. The recent donation ensures that more than 173,000 Palestinians receive food assistance for two weeks. With a total raised amount of $5 million, The Weeknd’s fund is actively working to provide aid and relief to individuals facing challenges in accessing regular meals.Unhoused students faced disproportionate setbacks during the pandemic, resulting in a significant decline in academic progress. The release states, “The pandemic erased two decades of progress in math and reading, and researchers have documented that the poverty rate is the best predictor of the extent of that learning loss.”
By partnering with School on Wheels, Tesfaye seeks to empower homeless students, recognizing the importance of providing them with resources and support to overcome the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The initiative reflects his ongoing dedication to leveraging his platform for meaningful contributions and making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing adversity.