Task 1.4 Social Action Project Reflection

I had the honour of taking part in a social action project with a nearby soup kitchen centre during my final block of teaching experience. I did this project together with all the Grade 3s at Crawford International Fourways. This event has changed my outlook on life and challenged my assumptions in a way that can only be described as transformative. I've learned to appreciate the significant influence that even modest deeds of kindness can have on people and communities as I think back on my project.

To make this project a success, we asked the Grade 3 learners to donate seedlings of beetroot, spinach, carrots and tomatoes so we could go plant them at The Daily Bread (the soup kitchen centre) which caters for underprivileged local community members. The centre is also a place of safety for children in need and survivors of abuse.

The value of empathy and interpersonal connections is among the most important lessons I learned from this experience. I discovered that being homeless has many reasons than just a lack of money. I developed a deeper appreciation for the difficulties and complicated concerns that some people deal with on a daily basis after the centre’s owner told us about some of the struggles their patrons experience. In addition, I learned useful skills like planting that will be very helpful in my daily life.

This experience has had a significant impact on my personal development. My prejudices and beliefs about homelessness were challenged, and it served as a reminder that we should never pass judgment on someone before fully comprehending what they are going through. The sense of satisfaction from improving the lives of the shelter's regulars was immeasurable. I'll never forget how appreciative the owner was of our seedling donations. It confirmed my belief that modest deeds of kindness may spread like wildfire and motivate constructive change in a community.

I am incredibly appreciative of the chance to participate in this project. Being able to improve the lives of people and be a part of a supportive community has been a great privilege. Looking ahead, I am motivated to keep up my volunteer work in the community. I now see the enormous effect it may have on both the people we serve and our own personal growth. My experience with community service has been a rewarding journey of compassion and self-discovery. My faith in the strength of community and people's capacity to effect change for the better has been strengthened as a result of it.

The learners and the school will know what it means to give back and how rewarding it is to be kind. The school has ongoing projects with the organisation so they will be able to check on the progress of our seedlings and continue with donating to the organisation. The school donates various items to the organisation including clothing.