"The sole meaning of life is to serve HUMANITY" - Leo Tolstoy.
We come across so many quotes, millions of them and we are constantly growing up with these ideologies that we must help each other. Needless to say, that each and every parent wants to raise a morally aware child. A child who will someday make them proud. A child who will turn out to be a good human being. Yes, it's the first responsibility of parents to instill a good value system in their children, but to what extent do children learn these things in school? Do the teachers, friends, classmates have an impact on what the child would want to do for the society? The answer is of course, YES.
Social service is nothing more than doing something for others, without expecting anything in return. This in itself is a very basic characteristic, selflessness. That innate desire to do something for the increased wellbeing of others and trying to uplift the less privileged. It's not easy. It's tough for an adult, therefore it`s multifold tougher for a child. However, this kind of value system becomes a part of their basic character and hence Schools/Classes have the basic responsibility to try and inculcate these values in their students.
Let us try to understand and suggest some practical ways to enhance the social service aspect.
Number 1: Teach history in a factual and positive way
There are chapters of history across the globe that are full of wars, tragedies, heroism and the differentiation among mankind. No one is born hating anyone, it's what we learn and assimilate. While learning history is important, it's all the more important to educate, but with the right message. Yes, a war happened, yes a fight happened, but the message or the lesson that is conveyed should always be in favour of teaching kindness and equality. Heroism is not always about fighting back, but in not starting the fight in the first place. Lay the right foundations.
Number 2: Set the right examples
Corporate social responsibility is a trend that has developed over the last few years. In fact a large number of the corporate organizations are following it. Maybe to save taxes, nevertheless, working towards a good cause. Similarly each and every educational institute should associate themselves with a social cause. It may be as simple as awarding a couple of scholarships to the needy or being an active part of a cause that aims towards Global change. The educational institute has to be vocal about it, so everyone associated with the institute can feel a part of the change.
I remember, in my school, a campaign was initiated which was mildly successful. `Say no to drugs`, it was a school wide campaign and all the students were voluntarily asked to sign a petition to say no to drugs. Multiple lectures were held by doctors educating the students about the harmful effects of drugs on the body. Each and every student attended those sessions and actively participated in relaying the message. A couple of donations collected and shared with the authorized rehabilitation centers. It was a proud feeling to be associated with a cause, that will indirectly save lives, or help make lives better. It is this proud feeling that the child carries and reflects all through life. Even if 5 out of the 500 students decide to take up a social cause, it's a job well done.
Something that Ms. Louise Formicola- Academic Head, Champs Learning and Mr. Nishikant Kothikar –Entrepreneur, believe in strongly is that every child should get equal opportunity and hence Champs Learning makes sure that they provide free education to under privileged kids and have been associated with CRY for a long time. It's a CSR activity that is highlighted and strongly encouraged in the institute.
Number 3:Help the child find a cause that triggers their passion
Not every child is the same and hence not every cause will motivate the child enough to be an active part of it. How can one really dedicate themselves to a cause? This is possible only if someone is passionate about it and relates to it at some level. A child who has been body shamed will be more interested in fighting against it, a child who is a compulsive over eater will certainly be more keen on helping others with the same trouble. A person who is moved by Black history and learnt about it's historical significance will be more into being a part of a cause directed towards it. It is hence the responsibility of a teacher and school faculty to help children and encourage them to find what they are enthusiastic about. A school can associate with various non-profit organizations and let students decide what they want to be a part of. Allow the students a day a month to spend working with these organizations and discover their own path in life.
Number 4:Make it compulsory
This may sound ironical, how can a voluntary service be made compulsory? If you think about it many academic subjects are learnt because they are compulsory? Do you think a child would voluntarily want to learn Trigonometry!!! Jokes apart, most subjects are successful, if there is a motivation to do well in it. I believe if social service is taken up as a compulsory subject for even one term, every child will have the opportunity to try it out. They may stick with it or quit if they do not enjoy it, but this certainly will help build social responsibility in the students. The list of aid given to the children to choose from could be decided by a mixture of teachers and parents so that the children`s choice will be constructive and therefore give them more satisfaction. It`s all about building a sense of humanity, kindness and empathy. Theory will only go so far. However, when students are practically involved in a cause of their choice, I believe they will carry that experience for a long time in their lives.
Yes social service results from passion and kindness, but this can be taught. Once it's taken seriously by the educational institutes, they create future leaders who bring about a real revolution that actually makes a difference…..!