How does it make you feel to give?
“Project Give Back has really opened up my heart and told me how fortunate I am to have a great family, great friends and to live in a special country like Canada.” –Adam, a grade 5 student
"Project Give Back has made lots of kids think about giving more than receiving". - Bev a grade four student
"Giving is the best present of all " - Chavi, a grade 4 student
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These are just a few of the beautiful and insightful comments I have received from students in my Project Give Back classes.
The goal is to take children on a journey where they realize the power they have to make a difference in the world. They quickly learn that if they throw kindness out there, much more will come back to them, hence the boomerang with the star. We all have shining stars within us, and Project Give Back lights up that star within each child.
Through my volunteer work with Jacob’s Ladder and my 17 years of teaching experience, I came up with the idea for Project Give Back. Through Jacob’s Ladder’s hundreds of volunteers, I could see that they all felt equally empowered and gratified for having been able to help others. All of our events are geared to empower children to discover the true meaning of giving. I witnessed that magic in kids; knowing that despite their age they have unlimited potential to contribute and help others.
As a mother to Jacob, a child with a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease, I saw the compassion and acceptance of other children to Jacob’s illness, once they were able to ask questions and understand his differences. Our children are so accepting, so resilient and so honest. We should follow their lead once in a while and let them teach us. That’s exactly what Project Give Back does – it gives children the time, the place and the skills to do exactly that. They become the teachers.
Project Give Back is a passion based program designed for elementary students to develop empathy, build character and ignite community- minded citizens. This program was created to implement curriculum guidelines mandated from the Ministry of Education together with a one year long project, which imparts lessons that will last a lifetime.
Each student chooses a cause that is near and dear to their heart. That, is the focus of their year long philanthropic journey. Project Give Back unites home and school in a very unique and special manner. Children learn telephone etiquette, by contacting their charity to inform them about their year long journey. Imagine that, in a world of texting and short forms, an actual real conversation. Children learn how to highlight pertinent information and change complex wording into its simplistic yet powerful intent. Without knowing it, they write a speech and then learn how to deliver a passionate and heartfelt presentation.
The tables quickly turn and the teachers become the students. Each student takes their moment to shine as they become the leader. They teach the class about their charity and then plan a 15 minute activity for the entire class to do in honour of their charity choice. Children merge a passion that they have with a cause that they strongly believe in. The discussions that result from these presentations are so deep and meaningful. Small miracles happen as children learn about one another in a safe and nurturing environment.
One parent wrote, “You have been able to reach my son on so many levels. He is so much more willing and compassionate to helping others and thoughtful of the positive effects that your organization can create, it is really unbelievable. He had lost some of that compassion, he was unhappy his world had been disrupted so much and he still struggles with his feelings daily. However, through your program, he has been able to realize life is not always as perfect and understands often it can be difficult. He also realizes is not alone, but rather that happiness can be possible through giving and the kindness of others.”
After all of the presentations, we call them “Funraisers,” children write business letters to their chosen charities. They design stationery for their letter and proudly hand write their good copies. Children insert photos of their presentation and a small cheque supporting their charity into addressed envelopes. Once all of the letters are completed, we take a class celebratory march to the mailbox to send in the letters. The pride and sense of accomplishment just beams from these very capable youngsters as they release their letters into the mailbox. They know that they have made a huge difference.
As a teacher of 18 years, nothing gives me more joy than to watch that light bulb go on inside a child’s brain. Just knowing that these children have gained a true understanding of acceptance, kindness and social responsibility makes me very proud of our future leaders.
If we give children the proper tools, guidance, and a belief in their capabilities, anything is possible.
Please check out www.projectgiveback.com for more information about this program.
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