[Weekly Inspiration] Principal Akbar Cook Creates a Loving Community by Installing a Laundromat in His School

Akbar Cook, principal of West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey, recently installed a laundromat in the high school. After learning that an overwhelming amount of students weren’t coming to school because they were being bullied about their dirty, unwashed clothes, he knew he had to do something.

The old football locker room now has five washers and dryers, and a room full of detergent donated from people around the country. Many of the West Side High School students use this room from 3 – 6 p.m. during the week, and now they can come to school comfortably and learn.

Because of Principal Cook’s amazing efforts to help his students, he has been recognized around the nation. Watch him on Ellen below.

 Ellen was so inspired by Principal Cook that she had him on the show again!

Principal Cook really helped to make his school have a family-like atmosphere and has seen his attendance rates increase since installing the laundromat into the high school. His love and care for his students radiates off him and it truly inspirational.

Too keep up with this Principal Cook, visit his website, or follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.