For the past two years, Ashton International College Benoni has participated in the President’s Award programme, with the 65 enrolled learners saying they have become more confident and recognise the need to be of service to others.
At the beginning of last year, Christine Delzell, a teacher at the school, signed up for the programme in the hopes of guiding learners to becoming active members of their community.
Little did she know what a positive impact it would have on the learners during lockdown and beyond.
The initiative has been in existence for more than 35 years and has participants from 130 countries worldwide.
It is voluntary and focuses on learners aged between 14 and 24 years. The criteria include physical recreation, skills as well as voluntary service with medals ranging from bronze, silver and gold.
“When we introduced the concept, our vision was to involve learners in order for them to become empowered to take ownership of their lives as well as develop a healthy balance between work and play,” she said.
“During lockdown, my cadets grabbed the opportunity to put in the hours to achieve their set goals.
“They each played to their strengths, some launched channels to teach others how to cook, prepared meals and distributed it to the needy, used their time to assist physically challenged individuals with chores and even volunteered at animal rescue societies.
“They returned to school with such compassion and could recognise the need in others, without prompting.”
In their second year, two silver medal participants, Dean Barnard (17) and Jordyn Kirkham (18), agree that the programme has not only made them more goal-driven but has taught them that although everyone has different skills, interests and strengths – when it is pooled together a small group can achieve a great deal.
“I stepped up to the challenge and completed any goal that I set for myself,” said Jordyn.
“Receiving my medals has been rewarding, as it reminds me of all the time I have invested not only in my individual growth but also in my community.”
Dean used his time to learn to play the piano as part of his skills.
“It boosted my confidence and proved that if you are motivated and focused, you can achieve anything,” he said.
“You are not in competition with anyone. You focus on developing yourself as a human and from there you grow to become of greater service to others.”
For more information regarding the programme visit www.presidentsaward.co.za.
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