"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." - Dorothea Lange

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

learning to give at an early age

It is always inspiring to learn about young people who are able to move outside of themselves and think about others, especially at this time of year when acquiring more "things" seems to be the goal. 

Change the Truth has many young friends who understand that giving feels better than getting. Here are just a few examples of emails I've received recently from parents/grandparents of some of those children. Hurrah for these wise and compassionate children - and for their parents, too. (After all, it's up to us adults to encourage this way of thinking.)

"At our Hanukah party, I showed some parts of the Change the Truth film to my grandchildren and nephews who range in age from 7 to 17. We then asked them if they would consider giving some of their money that they had just received to the orphanage. The littlest one said 'I will give to charity’ and he held up $50, and then they all followed. This was 50% of their gifts."
- Gerry

"Violet is having her birthday party in early January, and instead of presents for her she wants to ask people to donate art supplies for the kids at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. 

Encouraging kids to realize the benefit of helping other kids is so important. I take your shining example of how to better foster that understanding to heart. It takes a bit of reprogramming the parents, too; we all want to give our kids the things in life that will make them happy, nit just in terms of short-term satisfaction, but deeper long-term joy in knowing that they are doing something for someone other than themselves. Not always an easy thing to do, given our hectic lives. It's wonderful to be part of a community that supports and encourages us all to uphold these ideals."
- April

"My daughter Corrin has recently come back from volunteering for CURE in Tanzania. For Christmas she has asked us not to get her a gift, but to donate to a children’s charity in Africa. I would like to sponsor a Change the Truth child for vocational school in Corrin’s name."
- Steve 

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