An ancient Chinese proverb says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” How fascinating a thought it is, isn’t it? Human beings have always found the necessity to evolve with time and to adapt to the surroundings by taking initiatives to bring in changes and improvements, not only in the way we live but also in the manner we think and perceive our environment. Such attempts to make life better often witness a trigger from our home circle. Man learns at each stage through observation, curiosity, responsibility, communication, empowered action, and collaboration.

All these attributes drive human beings to look out for volunteer opportunities, where they can participate in projects through a collaborative spirit to make society a better place. As parents, elders, and educators, our role in ensuring children find meaningful volunteer opportunities is manifold. I place ‘parents’ at the apex of this triangle, as the primary education begins at home, and it is from home that we draw our nourishment for all activities. Educators are vital stakeholders in this process and act as catalysts to that effect.

Children are curious little artists. There is no pre-set manual on encouraging children to volunteer in projects. However, some useful pointers, outlined below, will certainly produce the ripple effect, eventually leading to a wave of opportunities.

Role Modelling Volunteering

Role modelling is an excellent strategy to inculcate the spirit of volunteering among children. While we talk about expressing solidarity in these extraordinary times, it would be great to make this habit an essential attribute of lifestyle. Take your children to the house of your domestic help and encourage them to interact with the children living there. On your way back home, ask questions that will help your child reflect on survival conditions and lifestyle parameters. Over the next few visits, volunteer to help them with small projects, like building a little kitchen area or improving sanitation. This encourages children to volunteer and learn how their efforts can make a difference in someone’s life.

Service Learning in Schools

Integrating service learning in the school curriculum is another powerful step. This will help children find potential opportunities by exploring the community, planning and conducting a service, and reflecting on the outcomes. Meaningful cross-curricular connections can expand volunteering opportunities exponentially.

Using Technology for Volunteering

Technology and social networking have revolutionized the way we look at the world. By encouraging teenagers to use technology responsibly, they can launch campaigns to combat hate crimes or spread messages of diversity, inclusion, compassion, empathy, and peace. Through social networks, children can collaborate and form groups with a shared vision for positive change.

Walk the Talk

Practice what you preach as an adult. It could start with something as simple as showing love for animals by taking care of an injured calf, or starting a club to promote animal rights. By leading by example, you encourage children to volunteer and advocate for causes they care about.

Blended Learning for Volunteering

Blended learning should also be promoted to help children find volunteer opportunities. For instance, during a weekend trip to a beach, they might notice waste and plastics harmful to marine life. This could prompt them to organize a beach clean-up drive or start a campaign for responsible waste management.

Using Reverse Psychology

Children love challenges. Sometimes, the best way to get them involved is by employing reverse psychology. When you suggest they aren’t capable of a task, many will rise to the challenge, proving their capability with dedication.

Rewarding Volunteer Efforts

Reward the children with occasional tokens of appreciation. Acknowledging their efforts gives them the motivation to continue looking for volunteer opportunities and pursuing them with enthusiasm.

Encouraging Reading for Values

Create a culture of reading for children. Life lessons on volunteering often come through storytelling, where they learn about transformation, bravery, and commitment. Teachers and parents can schedule reading sessions where stories about volunteering and social responsibility are shared.

Teaching Crisis Support and Management

Teach children about crisis support and management. By helping them establish initiatives like a "society Red Cross" or a "food bank," children learn the value of responsibility and empathy, enhancing their understanding of volunteerism.

Volunteering Through Collaboration

Visits to orphanages, old age homes, or care centres expose children to volunteer opportunities. They can organize fundraisers, spread awareness, and participate in drives to help marginalized communities.

The need to look for volunteer opportunities arises when we recognize a gap or need in society. Children should be brought up as enthusiastic volunteers, free of vested interests. As adults, it is our responsibility to guide them. Integrating service learning helps children plan and assess volunteer projects with a SMART approach—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. This allows children to contribute to a more sustainable and empowered future, where they can be harbingers of change.