Small Pebbles Make Big Ripples

Small Pebbles Make Big Ripples

How old do you have to be to make a difference in someone else’s life? Last spring, two schools proved that some of their youngest students are capable of great things when they work together and are motivated by a love of others.

COIN COLLECTING AT CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Hamilton, ON

Playgrounds are important spaces for students to enjoy God’s creation and build relationships with each other. Emmanuel Preschool in Orange Walk, Belize needed a new playground that was clean and safe for their students, so three kindergarten classes at Calvin Christian School in Hamilton, Ontario chose to meet this need as part of their unit on community-building in the spring of 2022.

They started by studying their school community and expanding to the global community. They approached EduDeo for opportunities to reach out to their global brothers and sisters and were partnered with Emmanuel Preschool. They got to know the students by exchanging letters to share their favourite games and food.

In order to support the construction of the playground, they hosted a coin drive. The entire student body got involved! They encouraged giving by challenging students to fill a bucket with coins and used a Plinko board at a school open house.

Together they raised over $3,200, proving that you can make a difference, no matter how old you are!

WALKING FOR WATER AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Leduc, AB

Msuzi Primary School in Lundazi, Zambia specifically welcomes students with disabilities, as they know these children face extra barriers to a quality, Christ-centred education. They have accessible, specially designed classrooms and dorms for students, but the buildings still need a water system. That’s where the students of Grade 3J at Covenant Christian School in Leduc, Alberta, saw themselves fitting in.

After learning about Msuzi’s care for vulnerable students and its ongoing needs, the students knew they could step up and support their fellow students around the world. They decided to raise awareness and funds by doing a water walk.  

One student said: “I felt excited to carry water, but it got tiring. I think a water tank would help the school a lot! We can be Justice Seekers by getting them a water tank and Community Builders by not just thinking about our class, but the world.”

Projects like this are an important part of Andy Jenkins, their teacher’s, class. He said, “It was a truly transformational experience. For most [students], this was the first time they recognized just how big the world is, their privilege in it, and how to extend God’s love beyond their seemingly small circle of influence.” Together they far exceeded their fundraising goal and raised over $6,000.

When Laurie, EduDeo's School Relationship Manager, thinks about these students, she's reminded of 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Students who realize the impact they can have at a young age grow into adults who are confident and ready to use their gifts for the service of others. We hope these stories are an encouragement for you in your learning journeys this year!