Service

John Paul II High School is founded on Marist and Mercy charisms.

A Marist education aims to inspire young people to know the love of Jesus and to model their lives on that of his mother, Mary, by emulating her humility and sense of duty towards others, promoting selflessness rather than selfishness. In following in the way of Mary, we are called upon to go about our work, doing good quietly. Marcellin Champagnat is also a valuable example of service. He would travel huge distances on foot over difficult terrain and in all conditions to visit the sick, care for the poor, share the good news of Jesus’ love for all and particularly to reach out to people, especially young people, on the margins of society. We, like the Marist Brothers, are called to seek out those on the margins of society, the poor and vulnerable, and be present to them in their need through our care.

The Mercy value of service is about helping others in need, showing compassion and kindness. You help others who are in need and don’t ask for payment or some other reward in return. Venerable Catherine McAuley is our example of faith in action through service to those in need in our community. Catherine McAuley served the poor in her community, sought to provide quality education to give them a sense of dignity in that they would then be able to help themselves out of their situation, she provided shelters for women, an orphanage and ‘meals on feet’, with the sisters walking to families in need with food and other support. She also cared for their spiritual wellbeing and would read the scriptures and pray sensitively and gently with them. We are called to serve our community and care for those in need, as Catherine McAuley did, to be present in all aspects of their need.

The positive impact of volunteering on young people’s lives is undeniable, multifaceted and profound. Volunteering helps students develop valuable practical skills, like communication and leadership skills. It enhances confidence, increases work-readiness and helps inform career choices.

Volunteering also makes students feel good and proud of themselves, and more connected to others, which are all positive emotional experiences that are linked to psychological health and wellbeing. The importance of these effects on mental wellbeing and attitude-to-self cannot be underestimated, as they are highly relevant for adolescents, a group that often struggles with a lack of confidence and self-worth. This is relevant in the New Zealand context, where poor mental health in rangatahi has doubled in the last 10 years.

Volunteering also strengthens a sense of belonging at school and deepens connection with the local community. These outcomes are particularly significant for students who are shy and feeling isolated. Volunteering further leads to a greater understanding of community needs.

During adolescence, the reward centre of the brain is easily activated and there is a natural drive for sensation-seeking; many young people are drawn to activities that fill a need for excitement, intensity, and connecting with something bigger than themselves. Exposure to new and challenging experiences can help with learning and strengthening new skills. Volunteering can help fulfil this need for the risk of trying something new, in positive ways.

In recent research, young New Zealanders identified several ways that being involved in volunteer service improved their skills and outlook:

• Improved communication skills: better social skills and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, ages and cultures.
• Improved leadership skills: Learning how to accept and work with people who have different perspectives and developing better sympathy and empathy for others.
• Better organisational skills: Improved ability to plan and make sure you have everything in order.
• Time management skills: Better able to predict what is needed and when, awareness of time frames.
• Developing problem solving skills: Improved ability to recognise problems and find solutions.
• Improved ability to work under pressure: Learning to be more flexible and adaptable.
• Better teamwork skills: Learning to work together despite personal feelings and differences with a person.
• Increase in pride and self-worth: Feeling good about having a way to contribute to your local community
• Improved work readiness and focus on future career goals: Exposure to careers and work focused on service.
• Civic and social awareness: Improved understanding of community needs, learning how to respond to needs when volunteering, and what it means to be in a privileged position to help others.

Source: Algera, P. et al. 2022. The Impact of Volunteering on a Young Person’s Life – A study into the SVA Service Award – a New Zealand national framework for recognising and growing secondary school volunteering. An Independent Research Report Commissioned by the Student Volunteer Arm. Retrieved 19/08/23 at this link.