Today I had the opportunity to share some of my reflections on my voluntary work in Cape Town, as part of the Rata Teachers Support group. I hope that those who came to listen could see what a profound effect my experience has had on me. It reinforced the importance of giving to others in order to help understand yourself. I had never been involved volunteering overseas before and all I could do was hope that I would have something to offer. The experience took me out of my comfort zone – and I believe that this is where real learning happens.
Margaret Wheatley says that hope propels us to action and that when hope enters the room fear is always by its side. That is because while hope looks to the future, fear is based on the past and the ‘what ifs’.
I have really become aware of the many people who are seeking to make a difference to others, throughout the world and for many different causes. They are driven by passion and commitment. They have high hopes that their work will make a difference and at times, fear that the difference is not great enough. They are not paralysed by this fear, but rather more determined than ever because it is worth the risk. One example is the Adonis Musati Project, based in Cape Town, yet another ripple of hope to help humanity:
I fear for a world where we cannot reach out and help others, instead focussing on greed and self interest. Is that not what got us to this place we are today? These are times for courageous leadership, for each of us to have a strong moral compass that compels us to lead ethically, driven by clear beliefs for what could be. Again, Margaret Wheately describes this profoundly:
