From the Interim Executive Director

Children and Youth – Our Future

This edition of Horizons focuses on children and youth. It has been said, “Children are our future.” Although it is not often expressed in words, everything children experience prepares them for their future. JCS cares about children and wants to see them reach their full potential. We are happy to have programs focused on and volunteers working with children of all ages – and especially with children that may be at a disadvantage.

Education is seen as a human right. But not all children have the same opportunity for education. There may be external circumstances that hinder a child from getting a good start in school – or that hinder a child from doing well in school. Study Centers can help these children get the boost they need to realize they are able to do their schoolwork and learn. JCS is pleased that the Shining Stars Project was able to branch out and start a new Study Center (see article on page 6).

Teaching is a challenging job. Not only does it involve working with many students and subjects, but also dealing with administration. Although challenging, it is also very rewarding. Jacinda, in her first year of teaching, identifies her students as her ‘kids’ – what a connection! And Manje as a university teacher has seen that a “teacher who has the sense of calling to be a teacher can make a difference in the life of the students.” What a privilege – and what a responsibility!

Sometimes a child/youth’s experiences are not positive and have a negative impact on the child/youth’s potential. This is when it can be helpful for them to have a mentor to understand the aspects of their lives they struggle with and deal with their problems or challenges (see article on pages 1-2).

JCS has projects and volunteers working with children and youth. In addition to Study Centers, teachers and mentors, we have sports projects and activities that “include team building and character training, which often does not come naturally to youth…” as reported in the 2018 October/November edition of Horizons.

It is not only the education system and teachers that have a responsibility with children. We ALL have a responsibility for the children we are in contact with – they are our future. Whether we are parents, teachers, mentors, sports coaches or ‘adopted aunties’ (like myself), we should be a model for children and pour out love on them. It is the responsibility of ALL of us to help each child achieve their full potential to serve their community and the world. THEY are our future.

 

Click here to download full version of Newsletter – Horizons Apr/May 2019