When it comes to getting kids involved in charitable works, there is a lot that charities can do to encourage them.  Unfortunately however, a recent report documented in The Guardian found that many youngsters these days are not finding their place in the world of volunteer opportunities.  This is a real shame since it is the current generation that actually has a lot to give.  Charities are thus significantly missing out on this demographic.

There are some charities trying to counteract this.  For example, the Jewish Lads’ & Girls’ Brigade (JlGB) has developed a wide range of national award schemes in an attempt to bring in young volunteers (the main one being the ever-popular Duke of Edinburgh Award).  Indeed, a staggering half of young Jewish kids in faith schools are now taking part in this award.  Nonetheless, even with this result, the report found that 65 percent of individuals “indicated that they required extra support in finding a suitable volunteering placement.”  So work needs to be done to change that.

The truth is, at the end of the day, those who play a key role in the education of our youth should realize that one learns so much more than by simply sitting behind a textbook at a school desk.  Learning how to be a moral, upstanding citizen; to be kind to others, to realize that the world exists beyond one’s small enclave is an awareness that should be taught in schools.  Thus by providing volunteer opportunities to the children, the school is fulfilling its obligations of turning out moral, well-developed kids.

Still, one has to face reality as well.  Unfortunately there are problems with school kids volunteering.  First, insurance does not cover the under-16s potential volunteers.  Second, in many volunteer opportunities, it would simply take too many resources to train the youth well enough for them to actually be able to offer effective help.  But it nonetheless seems the benefits outweigh the problems and thus there should be some way to get around these issues.

It has to thus be up to the parents and guardians who believe volunteer opportunities are essential for the overall development of their children to push charitable work for their kids at school.  Further, if enough parents get together and let the school know how important this issue is for them, the school might just sit up and take some interest and actually make this happen.