Introducing children to charitable giving from a young age helps build a lifelong attitude of kindness and community awareness. While many people believe that charity only counts when it involves donating large amounts of money or time, the truth is that small acts of kindness can be just as meaningful, even something as simple as smiling at someone in need.
Leading by Example
Research shows that children raised by generous parents are more likely to become generous adults. This doesn’t happen by accident, it begins with conversations about kindness and parents who model charitable behaviour in everyday life.
Young children are naturally curious, especially about why things are done. If you’re helping a family in need, explain why you’re doing it and how it makes you feel. Studies also suggest that generosity can boost mood, build confidence, and lead to stronger social connections.
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Engaging Teenagers
Getting teenagers involved in charitable causes can sometimes be more difficult, but research by the Pearson Foundation found that specific parenting practices play a major role in encouraging generosity. Open, honest communication is key, especially around what feels safe or uncomfortable.
One of the most effective ways to get teenagers involved is by connecting charity with their interests. A teenager who loves sport might enjoy coaching younger children. A creative teen who loves art or music could volunteer at a community centre on weekends.
Even if your child cannot always participate in these events, teaching them to show empathy and understanding to people from all walks of life helps build strong, kind, and socially aware adults.
How Children of All Ages Can Get Involved in Charity
Young Children (Ages 3–8)
- Help pack food parcels or sort old clothes to donate
- Make cards or drawings for people in hospitals or care homes
- Donate one toy or book for every new one received
Primary School Children (Ages 9–12)
- Start a small fundraising project like a bake sale
- Help collect food, clothes, or toiletries for shelters
- Volunteer at school drives or local clean-up days
Teenagers (Ages 13+)
- Volunteer time with causes linked to their interests (e.g. sport, art, tutoring)
- Help run social media, or promotions for charity events
- Join or lead a school charity committee
Get involved:
Tears Animal Rescue
This Mandela Day, TEARS Animal Rescue is on a mission to raise funds to purchase 13 tonnes of pet food – that’s 6 tonnes for cats and 7 tonnes for dogs – to sustain the TEARS Feed Hungry Pets Programme for the next 6 months.
https://tears.org.za/mandela-day-6n7-project/
Grow ECD
Help equip Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres with skills and resources for high-quality early learning. This year, consider supporting them by donating preschool tables, chairs, carpets, mattresses, or outdoor play equipment like scooters and soft balls.
SA Harvest
The 2025 Buckets of Nutrition for Matriculants campaign is a powerful public-facing initiative focused on equipping Grade 12 learners in underserved communities with the essentials they need to face their final school year with hope and resilience.
Read the article here: https://saharvest.org/press-release/hunger-to-hope-why-nutrition-is-the-missing-link-in-education-equity/
As part of our commitment to education, StudyChamp donated to SA Harvest this year to support matric learners in need.
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