What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead
Nelson Mandela
Last Friday, Oakhill dedicated the day to giving our Grade 10-12 students the opportunity to discover that you have not truly lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. Citizenship and community outreach is a core value at Oakhill and something we feel passionate in instilling in our students. The celebration of Madiba Day was a wonderful opportunity to live this experience.
Every grade was involved in three different activities on the day, encompassing an outreach, environmental and self-reflection component. Activities ranged from lagoon clean-ups with the SANParks Honorary Rangers; arts and craft activities with the students at Trinity School; quality time with the elderly at Vermont Old Age Home; mural painting at a Hornlee preschool and giving some much needed hands-on assistance at KAWS.
Witnessing every student immerse themselves in all of the activities was heartwarming, inspiring and a reminder that inside every single person there is the inherent desire to make a difference. The biggest life lessons are learnt outside of the walls of a classroom, and these are the experiences that will remain with our future generation for years to come, and certainly with every recipient of their time, care and love in our community.
Well done Oakhill students! You made a difference! Our greatest hope is that the experience inspires you to continue reaching out to those in need in our community!
