Nurturing kindness, compassion, and advocacy for the common good

Service Learning Programs are highly visible and prominent in secondary schools but I would argue that it is just as relevant in the primary years. As we grow and find our places in time and space; good values and a solid sense of respect and responsibility colour the choices made and the paths chosen.

It is in early ages that parents and educators can have the greatest hand in shaping and guiding children into becoming socially well-adjusted individuals.  Many if not all schools have certain values that represent their school. At my current school, the 8 Virtues + 1 include the ideas of loyalty, trustworthiness, kindness, love, wisdom among others.  Although grounded in Chinese values; they are broad enough to fit into different contexts.

With a supportive school and parent community; teaching children in taking small local steps towards global well-being is possible, relevant and rewarding. Here, a number of the projects initiatives are outlined. They are broadly divided into four categories but I have found that one project can address more than one area of concern, or more than one UN Sustainable Development Goals. For examples, the Bread Run activity not only addresses the hunger but also landfill use as well; as students eat their lunch, grab seconds; perhaps there’ll be a moment spared reflecting on sustainable food sources and food inequality around the world.