The Joy of Giving

“This is the true joy in life: to be useful in a purpose that you recognize as very important.” STEPHEN COVEY

The alarming levels of physical and verbal aggression among the school population show that we need to see how we can shape characters, when we live in an increasingly mercantile society, which has taught us a great deal, so that we end up with “big heads” but often “small hearts.” You only need to have eyes to see the needs of those around you, to be willing to act, and to cultivate kindness, generosity and compassion, starting in childhood. First the parents, then we, the teachers, should try to make children understand that they can receive from others, but equally can give to others as much as they are able, and that, in fact, this word so simple – “GIVING” – could hide complex meanings in at least seven words that derive from it: LOVE, ALTRUISM, RESPECT, HUMANITY, INVOLVEMENT, GRATITUDE, EQUALITY.

The children of Grădinița Răsărit no. 2 are familiar with various norms and moral values, and following them is not hard, because from an early age they are accustomed to respecting, helping, being polite and understanding, being generous, and bringing the smile back to the faces of those who are suffering and who have a right to a decent life. For some time now the custom has taken hold that in the last week before the winter holiday, the children and teachers of our kindergarten meet with the parishioners of the “Foișorului Parish,” with the elderly at the Baroneasa private elderly care center, with the students of Middle School no. 95, beneficiaries of DGASPC Sector 3, and with the children of the AMURTEL Romania Aid Association from Izvorul Speranței and the Residential Center, Pănătău commune, Buzău county, within the educational project “By Giving You Will Gain!” This project provides an occasion of great joy for all the partners involved in the activities carried out. Starting from these thoughts, the whole team expressed the wish that through this endeavor, which has become a tradition of our institution, we would sensitize the children and their parents to bring a smile to the faces of less fortunate children and of the elderly, or, as the children also call them, “the little grandparents.”

For the realization of this project, the staff of Grădinița Răsărit and the children began carrying out activities that involved: collecting clothes, toys and school supplies, buying useful gifts, food, sweets, fruit, and donations from the parents. Coordinated by the director and guided by the teachers, the children prepared carols, made greeting cards that add more beauty and color to the festive atmosphere, worked with much passion at wrapping gifts, and put into their products a little of the kindness, generosity and altruism that characterize them, convinced that their purpose is noble. Our children are taught to give with all their soul, and their sincere gifts convey important messages: I love you or I care about you, I am glad you are here, with me! After all the preparations were ready, the little ones dressed in festive clothes and set out to sing carols and give the gifts. The moments were full of emotion, with even tears of joy being shed.

Deeply moved by the light in the eyes of those souls, children and elderly, we did not remain indifferent, so we continued with similar actions at the Holy Easter holidays and during the National Volunteering Week. We consider that through all the activities carried out we have reached the objectives we set for ourselves, we are grateful to God for the beautiful results obtained and aware that we are called to be missionaries through faith and deed in the Church and in society. We gave but we also received, and we understood once again that the JOY OF GIVING is infinitely greater than that of receiving.

An article by Floarea Diaconu, preschool teacher, Educational Director