While most students spend their school holidays taking a well-earnt break from study and catching up with friends and family in their home communities, Lina, a current Form 6 student, is going the extra mile to make an impact on children and their parents in her village.
You may recognise Lina as one of the faces of our 2018 Annual Appeal. Her enthusiasm and compassion shine radiantly through her smile, and she is respected among her peers as a role model and friend to all.
Lina gathered together 15 of her St Jude’s compatriots during the school holidays to volunteer in local government schools, helping students to improve their English. The program, which comes free of charge to all who participate, was so successful, that Lina took her English lessons into students’ homes and also teaches their parents, many of whom have not themselves completed primary school.
“We at St Jude’s have grown up receiving. We understand about giving to the community from the bottom of our hearts,” Lina expressed.
“So far, I have helped 10 parents to improve their English speaking ability. Many parents who run small businesses are exploited by people who take advantage of their lack of education. With improved English, they can better understand the conversations being had around them and empower themselves.”
“To order stock for a business, you sometimes need to order things online, and the main language is English. Many parents also want to help children with their homework sometimes, but they cannot, because they do not understand the language their children are learning,” she added.
Lina has successfully overcome a number of challenges in her pursuit of service, and is keen to expand her reach.
“Some parents did not believe that I do not want money for this. When they can see I am serious about volunteering, they realise I have a genuine heart to help the community, and they give me their very best wishes.”
“I really feel this project has a bright future. My main aim is to help St Jude’s students who are privileged to receive free education, understand the importance of helping others. I hope to complete Form 6 successfully and join Beyond St Jude’s. I want my friends to do the same, so we can help to address the problem of lack of resources in government schools.”
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