A Summer of Social Change: Keeping Students Engaged

There are many opportunities for students to volunteer locally, such as building affordable housing for families.

As the dust settles from end-of-the-year celebrations, some students will head to camp, travel abroad or pick up a summer job, while others will struggle to fill their time. No matter how much free time students have, if they stay socially engaged during the summer they will be ready to hit the ground running in the fall while giving back to their communities all summer long. To keep them engaged, consider an e-mail blast to your students every few weeks.

Here are a few suggestions to pass along to your students to keep them taking action this summer:

1. In many regions, students cannot work in a paid job until the age of 15. Volunteer work is fun for all ages and will help develop skills for future paid work. Research opportunities in your community.
2. As your family makes holiday plans, research eco-tourism options that will be exciting and will give back to local communities.
3. Turn a mess into an opportunity. If it’s time to dig out a bedroom, basement or garage, inject some fun into it by holding a group garage sale with friends. Pool your earnings and donate the money. Remember, for as little as $50 you can purchase a milking animal to provide a sustainable income for a family in a developing country.
4. Help elderly neighbours beat the heat. Many areas will experience heat waves during the summer and in some cities will issue pollution advisories. These conditions can be especially hard on the elderly. Look around your neighborhood and offer to help out with lawn cutting or running errands for an older person. Keep an eye on them during the hottest days.
5. Keep your mind busy. Read the weekly Toronto Star Global Voices articles online at www.thestar.com/globalvoices and share your thoughts with friends in person or by e-mail. Great ideas for the direction of next year’s Youth in Action Group can happen anytime, anywhere.  

Summer is a time to rest and refuel, but don’t forget to keep a notebook with you on your holidays. Just like Youth in Action Group action ideas, great lesson ideas and motivating activities for next year can come to you when you least expect them.

Have a safe and peaceful summer holiday.

Catherine McCauley, M.Ed.
Director of Teacher Development

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.