In the world in which we live, there are numerous disparities, especially those of a social and economic nature and there is no overnight solution for these. It is important that the public and private partnership for developing and sustaining various areas of our society continues. Together with individuals and communities, there is the opportunity to collaborate on short- and long-term solutions.
The solutions needn’t be the sort that will tackle each and every issue that is faced in society, however it is possible to look at ways that will assist in alleviating some of the challenges that are faced.
If you’re wondering where you could possibly fit in and how you could play a role in the life of someone else, then perhaps you could consider some of these options that don’t necessarily only require money but time and commitment from you:
Extra lessons teachers
We all remember those subjects that we were not the greatest at or we just wanted to pick up our marks a bit more. That extramural activity that you showed potential in but you need an extra push or maybe you didn’t have all the equipment, so you dropped it. Look at what you are good at and really excelled in, consider giving some of your time to a school in your community that could use some of your skills, knowledge and absolute passion for the subject or extramural activity.
Lift club or feeding scheme
How many times have you seen a group of children cramped in a vehicle or see them walking long distances to get to school and home again. Or you know that some of the children do not always come to school having had a full meal, they may not have lunch and at times dinner is also a meal they may not have. With a bit of homework and ensuring that all the necessary legalities are sorted out, you and some other parents in partnership with the school and community could start a lift club for the children in need or a feeding scheme that perhaps provides two meals a day to learners to ensure that they are well nourished.
Stationery, textbooks drive
Admit it, how stationery crazy are you? You have an extra something of stationery for the one that you may lose or will use somewhere else and you like variety and abundance. It’s not a bad thing at all. Let’s be honest though, you could share a little bit right? With a learner and even a university / college student, especially if you have your previous studies textbooks that you are not using anymore. You may believe that it makes a difference, but with the cost of textbooks, and yes a simple stationery set nowadays, there is someone out there who will treat them like gold because it is more than they had before.
Make small contributions where you can
It doesn’t have to be a weekly commitment: you can start small. Clean out your clothes or your children’s toys and donate what you no longer use, and then offer to do the same with any excess things belonging to friends or family. Make a small monetary contribution to a children’s home (if you can afford it), knowing that even though it’s small, it’s making a difference in someone’s life. Look out for ways to give in the supermarket while you’re shopping, whether it’s a trolley of groceries being collected for shelters, or ideas like Clover Krush’s #KrushGoodness campaign whereby when you choose Krush juices, you’re also spreading goodness and playing your part in ensuring that 10 000 scholars in communities across South Africa receive a brand new pair of school shoes to better equip them for the school year ahead. There are a multitude of easy ways to spread goodness – you simply have to open your eyes.
Bring a learner / student to work day
Hands up if you had the opportunity to visit different people at work and learn about what they do on a day to day basis, as well as understand the steps it took to get there. There are various initiatives that already exist that offer young learners the chance to go to certain work environments that they may be interested in and learn more. How about you and some of your colleagues in other departments at your company, look at identifying a school that would not necessarily be able to take their learners to a company due to various reasons, and you spend time with them on a regular basis and perhaps if there are opportunities, learners can volunteer at the company during holidays.
