The Power of Service in a Distracted World

Is it just me, or do the faults that bug us most about ourselves end up being the ones we’re hardest on our children for? My phone plays a far bigger role in my life than it should, and I try justify it by convincing myself that I answer work WhatsApp’s, emails, do my banking, load social media posts, listen to podcasts and music but in reality in between the productive activity there is a lot of scrolling, checking Strava, Instagram etc.

So during the school holidays my poor son so much as looks at his phone and I am ‘aren’t you going to do something more meaningful with your life?’ This is one of the many reasons Nic spends a large portion of his holiday doing community outreach.

For those of you who know me, know that I am a ‘charity tart’. I am enthusiastic about anything that supports an under-resourced community. And...if I haven’t asked you for your time, money, goods in kind for a NPO – your turn is coming. Actually if you can just run Comrades 2026 for Community Chest Durban you are off the hook.

Kearsney College run a Pilgrim Award for the Grade 9 boys which requires them to complete 24 hours of community service for: under-resourced communities, the disAbled and the environment (8 hours per sector). The boys also have to a lead a 20km hike and camp overnight. The spiritual part of the initiative involves them reading the Book of Mark in the Bible and providing feedback on what they learnt, as well as researching someone they believe is Christ like. They also have to interview someone of another faith and compare the similarities and differences between the two. This was a fascinating exercise for a 15 year old who concluded there are far more similarities than differences.

I will never forget Jonathan Manley, Principal of St Mary's DSG, Kloof saying in a speech at the start of Grade 8, that teenagers who do community service have a far greater sense of themselves and, in turn, are more confident and self-assured. I have never forgotten this and judging from the team of boys who have done extensive outreach hours over this year, they do seem more comfortable in their own skin and genuinely grateful for what they have.

As we acknowledge Mental Health Month, these are the benefits of community outreach for mental health:

• Boosts happiness and mood
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Increases confidence and self-esteem
• Strengthens social connections
• Fosters a sense of purpose and belonging
• Enhances skills and resilience
• Provides a new perspective

If your teenage is battling with their self-esteem and a sense of purpose, please take the time and make the effort to get them to an Early Childhood Development Centre, an organisation that caters for the disAbled or simply grab some black bags and go pick up rubbish in your neighbourhood.

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

‍