“The spirit of service is the heart of humanity.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
SAI International School conducted a virtual Service in Action Symposium on May 6 2021.The event had 46 schools joining us from 11 countries. We had a detailed discussion on Volunteering by keynote speaker Shri Sujit Mohapatra, Founder Bakul Foundation, India joining us on the forum. Challenging all normal perspectives of what community service looked like in the past, forcing students to think of new and creative acts of service that can be done via the virtual mode. This month-long event is in commemoration of ‘The International Day of Service’, globally recognized and celebrated annually on May 7.
Students usually choose to work in an area that is in close proximity to where you live thus benefiting the local community. It provides no monetary gain, people volunteer their time and resources without selfish motives. It is an opportunity to give back to society and garner a sense of being one with the community while championing a cause.
The action groups were divided in 10 different break out groups, which went on to deliberate and shared a presentation by each group on what they have been doing in community service. The closing part of the session included discussion on what the path forward for community service should be as. Service work can be done individually or in collaboration with a group of people with the goal of benefiting others.
Shri Mohapatra spoke on what “Volunteering” really meant, what were the motivations that genuinely prompted him to volunteer and, what were the concerns that he was alert of. He went on to state how volunteering has helped to achieve in what communities needed. He shared few of the challenges that he and the organization has faced during the journey.
Community Service is well integrated into the Round Square ethos. SAI International School believes that service community can be done individually or in collaboration with a group of people with the goal of benefiting others. You usually choose to work in an area that is in close proximity to where you live thus benefiting your own community. It provides no monetary gain, people volunteer their time and resources without selfish motives. It is an opportunity to give back to society and garner a sense of being one with the community while championing a cause.
“Service in Action” is an innovative Community Service Initiative (CSI) being launched by the South Asia and the Gulf Region of Round Square. Community Service is well integrated into the Round Square School ethos. Participating schools will have the opportunity to showcase their completed CSI project and learn how to envision, create and implement a community service initiative under the Do, Make, Fix, Host, Teach, Donate and Volunteer on various platforms, the event was a Round Square school inspired event. Let us all come together in being the changemaker in society. As this service is the aspect of selfless assistance from another or a group that often allows to bring a particular challenge and helps to overcome a major obstacle in our society. Without service-oriented people, our communities would cease to be a body of neighbours and cease to be a connected enclave of humanity. Whatever the situation or circumstance, these service-oriented actions will give you food for thought with sense of wellbeing for all that you do in the service to others. Be of service in your community!
