By Staff Reporter
Every term, the Kingswood Senior School has a Go MAD Day, Make A Difference Day and the entire Senior School (over 400 pupils plus the staff) go out into the community to make a difference wherever they are stationed.
Many of the projects they are involved with are their on-going community engagement partners that the pupils either work with during club time, LO or Interact, but on Make a Difference Day, the entire senior school is involved and can make a huge impact due to the volume of people involved.
Some of the activities the pupils were involved with last week were litter pick-ups, teaching ball skills at a local primary school, river clean-up, gardening at the local hospital, clinic and orphanages, knitting baby beanies, painting creches, packing food parcels, helping at the SPCA, laying astro at a creche, painting murals at the community library, playing bingo and games at old age homes, cooking and gardening at Meal After School and an orphanage.
Not only does it benefit the community as a whole to have a day like this, but it is hugely beneficial to pupils to learn to be global citizens and to realize the importance of being part of a strong community.
Kingswood College head, Leon Grové, said: “Community engagement at Kingswood College forms part of our holistic education programme – we believe in the power of community, to work together to ensure the betterment of all citizens of South Africa. Our Global Citizenship Programme, which was developed by Rhodes University, ensures that our approach does not follow a deficit model, but rather looks for a collaborative effort between the school and our community partners. Development of empathy, kindness, compassion and respect are central to our community engagement approach. We thank all our community partners for a wonderful day.”
Senior School head, Tracy Van Molendorff, also had this to say: “To all staff and pupils, your kindness has certainly made a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for your amazing contributions to all the ‘KC Make a Difference Days’ – your dedication, care and kindness is so appreciated! Our community values your time and effort and are so grateful to each and every one of you.”
Grade 11 pupil, Nick Godwin-Pritchard, said: “Giving back to the community is incredibly important to me, as it aligns with my Christian ethos and belief in serving others. It’s both fulfilling for myself and a valuable experience for everyone involved.
“This year, I led the Make a Difference Day initiatives for the community library, organising projects such as painting murals, leading critical thinking workshops, and managing logistics for each event. I’ve participated and led the three community library MAD day initiatives this year, and what stood out most was witnessing the joy and amazement of those who rarely engage in community service. Their fresh perspective reminds me of the profound impact these small acts of service can have.”
