Families eager to help their child prepare for a successful school year might consider a more non-traditional method of summer learning—volunteering in the community.
According to a recent educational study, Canadian students who volunteer in their community or are motivated to volunteer are more likely to be receiving above-average grades in school.
The more than 1,000 Canadian parents of children between the ages of five and 15 surveyed by Ipsos-Reid for Kumon Math and Reading Centres indicated that more than half of the children performing at an above average level in school are already volunteering or are encouraged to get involved in the community.
“It is inspiring to see this connection between education and social responsibility in Canada,” said Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond, educational specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centres.
Ninety seven per cent of parents of children who perform at an above-average level at school and participate in volunteer activities agree that their child’s community involvement helps them succeed in their education both in and out of the classroom. In addition, 75 per cent of those parents believe that their child’s educational experiences inspire them to become more involved in volunteering and charitable acts.
These young volunteers are not only experiencing success in school; they are inspiring others to join their efforts. The findings showed that 27 per cent of parents of children who volunteer report being inspired to become more involved in the community because of their child’s efforts.
“Today’s children are becoming role models for their parents; demonstrating how to get involved and make a difference,” said Dr. McGhie-Richmond.
More information on organizations in your community looking for volunteers can be found online at www.charityvillage.ca/applicant/volunteer.asp .
According to a recent educational study, Canadian students who volunteer in their community or are motivated to volunteer are more likely to be receiving above-average grades in school.
The more than 1,000 Canadian parents of children between the ages of five and 15 surveyed by Ipsos-Reid for Kumon Math and Reading Centres indicated that more than half of the children performing at an above average level in school are already volunteering or are encouraged to get involved in the community.
“It is inspiring to see this connection between education and social responsibility in Canada,” said Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond, educational specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centres.
Ninety seven per cent of parents of children who perform at an above-average level at school and participate in volunteer activities agree that their child’s community involvement helps them succeed in their education both in and out of the classroom. In addition, 75 per cent of those parents believe that their child’s educational experiences inspire them to become more involved in volunteering and charitable acts.
These young volunteers are not only experiencing success in school; they are inspiring others to join their efforts. The findings showed that 27 per cent of parents of children who volunteer report being inspired to become more involved in the community because of their child’s efforts.
“Today’s children are becoming role models for their parents; demonstrating how to get involved and make a difference,” said Dr. McGhie-Richmond.
More information on organizations in your community looking for volunteers can be found online at www.charityvillage.ca/applicant/volunteer.asp .
