The rewards of volunteering
May 2009
by Claire Munro
Making a difference ... Craigslea State High School Year 12 volunteers (back) Sarah Evans, Adam Fiechtner, Chris Manley, Tim Rule-Hallawell, (front) Paul Mangan, Danielle Cullen and Stephanie Jeans with Active Volunteering teacher Andrew Blight.
To mark National Volunteer Week from May 11 to 17 Craigslea State High School social and community studies teacher Andrew Blight is asking teachers to encourage students to discover the educational and social rewards of volunteering.
'Student volunteers not only help those less fortunate but their efforts contribute to their education,' Mr Blight said.
In 2007, through a partnership with Volunteering Queensland, Mr Blight and teachers from Corinda, Mitchelton, The Gap and Bracken Ridge state high schools set up a pilot Active Volunteering program.
'I was keen to see the students' volunteering efforts formalised and linked with the schools curriculum,' he said.
'The pilot program's success means students who complete a Certificate II in Active Volunteering course can now earn four points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education.'
Mr Blight said Craigslea State High's volunteer program had increased from nine students in 2007 to 43 this year.
'Our students quickly recognise the benefits of volunteering,' he said.
'They help prepare meals for the elderly and infirm through Meals on Wheels, assist at Bunyaville State Forest Environmental Education Centre, at an Oxfam retail outlet, Lifeline and Salvation Army stores, an RSPCA animal shelter and Nundah Community Centre's cafe.
'Helping others is a real growing experience for our students. It gives them a more mature view of the world and is good for self-esteem. They see the world quite differently at the end of it.'
Year 12 student Paul Mangan is making a difference by volunteering at the Craigslea State School Sensitivity Unit, sharing his experiences of living with a disability.
'I talk about what it is like to have a disability and how I cope with the physical challenges of being in a chair,' Paul said.
'I love doing this type of work because all I have to do is be myself.'
Teachers are encouraged to nominate young helpers who do exceptional work in the community for the Queensland Young Volunteer Awards.
Entries close on June 10. For more information or to download a nomination form, visit the Get Involved website 
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