A Day of Service Engagement for 9th graders

On April 5 groups of 9th graders embarked on unique expeditions. These were journeys into the heart of their community, where they actively engaged with four inspiring institutions. Throughout the day, the students transformed from observers into participants, hopefully leaving a lasting impact while gaining invaluable life lessons.

The 9th graders were divided in four groups, according to their service interests. The first group traveled to a Ukrainian orphanage hosted by the community of the Grzybowilk village. Here, the students were met by children who were displaced by the ongoing military conflict. Play became the universal language as students and children bonded through joyous games of ball.

Creative expression flourished as they collaborated on painting t-shirts, fostering a shared sense of identity and joy. The act of braiding bracelets together solidified the seedlings of new friendships, weaving a tangible symbol of unity.  Leaving the orphanage, the students carried with them a profound sense of empathy and a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

The other group of 9th graders traveled to the cat shelter - Koci Azyl.  Here, the students transformed into animal guardians, diligently caring for the voiceless furry residents. Feeding the cats, cleaning their enclosures, and engaging them in playful activities instilled a sense of responsibility and compassion within the students. Witnessing the dedication required to care for abandoned animals sparked a sense of commitment to animal welfare within the group.

Next on the agenda was the Lipowa Refugee Centre, a beacon of hope managed by the newly established Helpfor Foundation. This facility offers ongoing support to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The students actively contributed by aiding in the delivery and distribution of donated clothing, and working together, they also prepared over 300 sandwiches, a simple act that provided a vital necessity to the hundreds of refugees who frequent the center each week.  Leaving Lipowa, the students carried a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and the power of collective action.

Their final destination was a community center in Warsaw's Nowolipie district, that is focused on aiding the elderly. The students that traveled there aimed to bridge the generation gap by engaging in classic table games with the center's beneficiaries. Laughter and lighthearted competition filled the air as connections were forged across the years. Through cultural exchange, the students presented aspects of their cultures, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and appreciation for diversity.  Returning from the center, the students were left with a renewed appreciation for combating social isolation among the elderly and the importance of fostering intergenerational bonds.

This day of community engagement proved to be more than just a field trip. It was a transformative experience for the participating students. By actively engaging with diverse institutions, they not only provided much-needed support but also gained firsthand knowledge of social issues. As the students returned to school, they did so with a newfound commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them, a testament to the lasting power of community engagement.