Students learn about volunteering – Winnipeg Free Press

Reading, writing and volunteering are on the agenda in the 7th/8th grade French class at École Leila North Community School.

Led by teacher Amita Khandpour, the class has volunteered at the Children's Museum of Manitoba, the Cercle Moliere Theater and twice at Harvest Manitoba.

Next week, students will be volunteering at the Voyageur Festival.

Liam Jervis, Year 7, says: “Not everyone volunteers, so it's good habits for the future.”

“He (Khandpur) always tells us before every trip about the importance of giving back to the community,” adds Jaanvi Sharma, another student of Class 7. “Because we get so much, it's important to give back.”

Camille Cano had never volunteered before the class went to the Cercle Moliere Theater to help the staff prepare for a fundraiser.

Camille always gave the staff the impression that she was working hard.

“I'm happy to help them,” he says.

Volunteering at Harvest Manitoba was one of the highlights for Gursimran Benipal.

During one of their trips, the students made maps to go to remote villages with bags of food.

The cards contained positive messages such as “You are enough” and “You are strong”.

“We felt like we were making a difference and that we were able to put a smile on their (recipients') faces,” says Gursimran.

For Brendan Mayuga, the best part of volunteering at Manitoba Harvest was sorting and bagging the food.

“It helps energize me because I have so much energy,” she says.

According to Khandpour, the purpose of field trips is to create experiences that enhance students' daily learning in the classroom.

It organizes field trips that include volunteering because it allows students to learn while doing hands-on activities.

At Harvest Manitoba, the class learned about food security – a lesson that stayed with them.

“At any moment you can suddenly become one of the families relying on the food bank,” says Liam.

Volunteering in the Classroom Students consider where they would like to volunteer in the future.

Jaanvi wants to attend the hospital.

“When I was little, I wanted to be a doctor,” she says. “I don't want to be someone anymore, but there are a lot of people who need help.”

Zoe Iledan is interested in volunteering with an organization that helps communities recover from natural disasters.

It means taking action to help others.

“I think helping is about volunteering and not picking up a phone and making a video saying, 'Let's help the planet,'” says Zoe. “Volunteering is taking a small or big step to make a difference.”

Khandpur leads by example as a volunteer.

Over the past 10 years, he has volunteered with many organizations including Festival du Voyageur, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Shine On Music and Arts Festival and Jazz Winnipeg.

This is her 18th year teaching and her first time incorporating volunteering into the classroom.

“I try to teach them that it's important to give back,” she says. “I want them to know that no matter how young you are, you have the power to make a difference.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact [email protected].