A REWARDING VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE

Within the project “Different cultures, Different ideas, the Same Human Rights in the Voice of Young Students” the Portuguese Association NÓS,  Protocol  of Social Integration Income, was undoubtedly the best partner our school could have chosen to promote a voluntary campaign, which involved not only our students, but also all the other members of our school community. At a meeting with Dr. Paula Encarnação, a member of the Association previously mentioned, which supports low-income families currently living in our town regardless of their origins and cultures, our school was given the amazing opportunity to take part in the organization of the Christmas Party for the children born into those families. Our school committed itself to raising enough chocolates, at least 250, meant to be offered to those children as a complement to the present they would be given at the party within the campaign “Solidary Santa Claus”. Besides, our students were also given the chance to voluntarily participate in the preparation and entertainment activities of the event. It was also decided that our school would design the poster to promote the event.

Hence, this voluntary work was divided into 3 stages:

1^st Stage – Designing the poster to promote the event - This important task, whose result can be seen in the picture below, was carried out by the students of the Vocational Course of Graphic Design. The poster was also advertised by NÓS on its Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=462624650450773&set=a.166238670089374.33541.116957721684136&type=1&theater

2^nd Stage – Homeroom teachers promoted the activity of raising chocolates in their classes so as to motivate their students to voluntarily bring to school at least a bar of chocolate, so that all the children participating in the Christmas party could be offered one.

Our students’ families were also involved in this campaign much due to the commitment of our Parents’ Association, which raised awareness to the activity on their blog and sensitized parents to get involved.

The involvement of the school community reflected itself in the number of chocolates collected and later delivered to NÓS. In fact, more than 350 chocolates were raised, which clearly surpassed our initial goal and shows how committed our school community was in allowing less fortunate children to have a sweeter Christmas.  The 10^th graders attending class B were the ones that gathered the greatest amount of chocolates, about 2 bars of chocolate per student, thus earning the title of the most generous class of the school.

But Christmas spirit was in the air, therefore two classes of our school decided to do something more for needy people.

12^th graders attending class G raised food, clothes and toys which were donated to two Foster Care Centres, one called “O Palhacinho”, which deals with abandoned and/or neglected children, and another one called “À Beira Tejo”, which supports single mothers and/or mothers at risk.

The 11^th graders of class G collected food for a Christmas hamper that was offered to one of the low-income households supported by NÓS.

3^rd Stage – The last activity was the voluntary involvement of our students in the organisation of the Christmas Party for the children of the families above referred. Their participation started a few days before the party. They joined the team of social animators of NÓS and prepared some activities for children meant to be carried out before and during the party. Therefore, our voluntary students learnt how to shape the balloons which were offered to children at the party, organised traditional games such as tic-tac-toe, can-shooting, rope skipping, sack race, among others, and prepared the introduction of the several artists performing at the party, the little huge talents born into the families that benefited from this event.

Moreover, as the topic of the party was related not only to Christmas and the family, but also to cultural diversity and human rights, they also prepared a few sketches which involved the visual exploration of a human right. Five rights were dealt with: Right n. º1: We are all born free and equal, Right n. º3: We all have the right to life. Right n. º 4: We say No to slavery! Right n.º 5: No to torture or any inhumane treatment, and Right n.º6: You have always the same rights no matter where you go or where you are.

You can see photos of the party at:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.463409207038984.104115.116957721684136&type=1

and comments at:

https://www.facebook.com/ESCasquilhos/posts/429300213790804?comment_id=4166982¬if_t=share_reply