Kids Learn How Lemonade Can Make a Difference

A lemonade stand run by a group of youngsters is a classic summertime image. But what if that youthful entrepreneurial inspiration could be channeled to benefit those less fortunate?

The goal of the LemonAid Movement, a nonprofit project, is to encourage educators and communities to organize opportunities for children to learn how to give back to global causes through fundraising.

The original inspiration for the movement began at Rye Elementary School in New Hampshire, where students learned that girls in rural China often can't afford to pay for education past 9th grade.

Over the course of a few weeks in the summer, 25 children from the school sold lemonade to neighbors, took part in bike-a-thons, held bake sales and participated in other fundraising efforts. Through their hard work, they were able to collectively raise enough money to fund the education of 25 rural Chinese girls.

Peter Getman, who initiated the nonprofit efforts of LemonAid and its Global Team, said the project is aimed at promoting the value of social responsibility through younger generations.

"What if we teach our children the core value of giving back? And then, what if our children teach their children?" he asked. "Could we make a difference today that spreads and has a lasting impact on the world a hundred years from now?"

LemonAid hopes to expand its global efforts and help kids in Kenya, Cambodia and Guatemala.