Jeffreys Bay Primary School’s “Caring Kids Club” has been making a significant impact in the community since 2016, offering young learners opportunities to develop awareness and compassion through various service initiatives.
Under the guidance of dedicated teacher, Gillian Kennedy, the club has inspired a generation of young humanitarians, including the Head Girl, Tatum Borcherds, whose recent Easter visit to a local children’s home exemplifies the programme’s values.
Kennedy said that the Caring Kids Club is a service club which provides our young learners an opportunity to develop awareness and knowledge of their community and environment.
She said that the club evolved from the school’s previous involvement with the Rotary Club of Jeffreys Bay’s junior division, with the specific aim of including learners of all ages.
“We aim to encourage our youngsters to be caring, helpful and to show empathy, respect, tolerance and compassion. We hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others and our environment,” said Kennedy.
She further said that the club organises numerous outreach activities throughout the year, including weekly assistance at the J-Bay Recycling Project, winter clothing drives, food drives, and a Christmas toy drive.
They also manage recycling efforts within the school, with proceeds supporting their fund for the needy.
“The learners really enjoy making a difference; they feel good about helping others,” said Kennedy.
“Many become aware of situations that they were not aware of before, so there are eye-opening experiences which result in them really wanting to help more.”
Borcherds recently took the initiative by organising her own visit to a local children’s home during Easter.
“Easter is one of the most special holidays for me and my family. It was important to me to share the importance of what Jesus did for us with these special children,” said Borcherds.
Her visit included bringing Easter eggs, Easter bunnies, and sweetie packs for the children, as well as organising activities like an Easter egg hunt.
“I did a few activities that I personally loved when I was younger and still do during this special time. I therefore knew how much fun an Easter egg hunt would be,” said Borcherds.
The impact of her visit was evident in the children’s reactions.
Borcherds said that there was a lot of excitement and that she could see the joy on their faces.
“What was special was how they were waiting at the entrance, ready to greet me with hugs when I arrived at the home. Everyone was so welcoming and excited,” said Borcherds.
“I would love to visit more homes. I am also planning to do an outreach to the youth during the month of June, as it is Youth Month. I am very excited.”
Kennedy praised Borcherds’ initiative.
She said that Borcherds has shown great initiative by doing this by herself and that they are very proud of her.
“Tatum has inspired the Caring Kids to keep making a difference despite the challenges we face, such as busy work schedules,” said Kennedy.
Borcherds said that the experience aligns perfectly with her role as Head Girl.
“As a leader, it is important to me to not only serve my school, but also our community. It has always been one of my biggest wishes, since a younger age, to visit a children’s home. I love reaching out. I have a very special place in my heart for children and animals,” said Borcherds.
She said that the experience taught her valuable life lessons as well.
Borcherds said her dad, Edwin, has always taught her
that all the things that seem like nothing or small to her, might just be
everything to someone else or be a dream that became reality. “We should never take anything for granted and appreciate what we have, no matter how big or small it might seem to us,” said Borcherds.
Kennedy mentioned that Borcherds has revived interest in the programme, which had faced challenges in recent years.
“Tatum reminded us that there are learners who really want to do something that will help others. We are planning to relaunch our club and refresh our goals to encourage more learners to join,” said Kennedy.
“We hope to continue doing what we are doing; we hope to revive some projects that fell away due to COVID-19, like our stationery drive.”
Kennedy emphasised that the programme offers more than just community service — it teaches valuable life skills.
She said that a lot of the work they do requires them to spend long hours sorting goods.
While doing so, Kennedy said that they get a chance to really focus on good work ethics and push themselves to get the job done.
“We aim to inspire our youngsters that they have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in so doing, make our world a better place,” said Kennedy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.