When St Jude鈥檚 Interact President, Lisa, hangs up her school uniform at the end of each term, her work is not yet done 鈥� and that鈥檚 just the way she likes it!聽
As a part of the Smith secondary campus service program, Lisa and dozens of her school friends volunteer at several local orphanages during their term break.聽
Inspired by the spirit of St Jude鈥檚 supporters worldwide, the energetic Form 4 student hopes to make a difference in the lives of others.聽聽
鈥淪t Jude鈥檚 is giving many students the opportunity to receive a free education. We love the chance to share what we receive鈥� to give back in return.鈥澛�
The program, overseen by Head of School Services & Self-Reliance, Mr Ernest, motivates students to demonstrate our school values: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Kindness.聽
鈥淲ithout the spirit of generosity, St Jude鈥檚 would not exist, and this is why we started the program.鈥�
鈥淭he students come up with ideas for ways to help. I seek permission from the academic leaders, then organise transport and supervision,鈥� Mr Ernest said.
It鈥檚 clear that Mr Ernest鈥檚 humility and compassion has had an impact on his students.聽聽
鈥淓very idea we come up with, he will try to support us. He is a good role model,鈥� Lisa affirmed.聽聽
Lisa believes that helping others is a way to show gratitude for the opportunities she receives at St Jude鈥檚.聽
鈥淲hen we see these children, we feel like we are one with our community. We can teach them what we know. When we spend time with them, they feel like they belong too.鈥澛�
鈥淥ur duties include helping with washing and cleaning, and we have fun playing with the kids!鈥�
鈥淚t makes me appreciate my family, because most children at the orphanages do not have any. I am privileged to get the love I deserve.鈥澛�
Of course, there鈥檚 always time for the students to bond and laugh.
鈥淭he first time we went [to the orphanage], my friend was cleaning the stairs. She was almost finished, then she accidentally spilled the bucket and had to start again! Even she thought it was so funny.鈥澛�
At the end of a hard day鈥檚 work, it鈥檚 the quiet moments of humanity and empathy which fuel our students鈥� appetite for community service.聽
鈥淥ne of the children at the orphanage had a birthday. We celebrated with sweets. One boy I had made friends with came up to me and said, 鈥榶ou have been my friend. I want to give you this,鈥欌�� Lisa shared.聽
鈥淚 told him to keep his own sweets, but I felt so nice鈥 knew I had made somebody feel special.鈥�
You can make our students feel special by聽spreading the word聽about their inspiring projects!
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