An ancient Chinese proverb says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” How fascinating a thought it is, isn’t it? Human beings have always found the necessity to evolve with time and to adapt to the surroundings by taking initiatives to bring in changes and improvements not only in the way we live but also in the manner we think and perceive our environment. Such attempts to make life better often witness a trigger from our home circle. Man learns at each stage through observation, curiosity, responsibility, communication, empowered action and collaboration.
Children are curious little artists. There is no pre-set manual on encouraging children to volunteer in projects as such. However, some useful pointers in this regard as outlined below will certainly produce the ripple effect, eventually leading to a wave of opportunities thereafter.
- Role modelling is an excellent strategy to inculcate the spirit of volunteering among children. While we talk about expressing solidarity in these extraordinary times, it would be great to make this habit an essential attribute of lifestyle. Take your children to the house of your domestic help and encourage them to interact with the children living there. On your way back home ask some questions that will help your child reflect on survival conditions and lifestyle parameters. Over the next few visits to your domestic help’s place, volunteer to build a little kitchen area for them and then maybe a proper toilet and sanitation facilities gradually. This will help in promoting a habitat for humanity and a mindset to learn how to seek for volunteering opportunities.
- Integrate service learning in the school curriculum is another powerful step. This will help them find potential opportunities by exploring the community and curricular needs, by planning and conducting a service and by reflecting, demonstrating and assessing the learning. Meaningful cross-curricular connections will expand the volunteering opportunities exponentially.
- Help children create a group of individuals who have some common vision and mission and nudge them to use social networks to spread messages of diversity, inclusion, compassion, empathy and peace.
