The Need

To add a high impact experiential learning event to the week – long senior leadership development program and bring alive the various leadership modules which had been covered over the duration of the course.

Size9 Volunteering: African Kids Homework Club

15 apprehensive leaders arrived by bus to the Fitzroy Commission Housing Estate to volunteer at the African Kids Homework Club.

“Thrown in at the deep end” is an apt description as the leaders had to quickly build trust with the children and their mothers while helping them either paint or complete their homework. With an African feast on offer, the normally sedate Homework Club was quickly overrun with enthusiastic children and their siblings. Add pain and canvasses to the equation and influencing skills were required.

It was a high energy and rewarding afternoon for all who took part. The day concluded with a rigorous de-brief and reflections drawing links to the theory that had been covered during the residential program.

The Outcome

The event turned out to be the highlight of the week long residential. The team were able to reflect on what they had learned about emotional intelligence, being out of their comfort zone and the importance of work-life balance.

The leaders learned that when dealing with children of a different culture, they had to ‘influence’ rather than direct – a key skill needed by today’s leaders. The children and homework club also benefitted from the afternoon. It was perceived as a real ‘treat’ to have some rather unusual guests join the children and once the initial shyness wore off, some great relationships were formed.

Hearing the stories from the children and their parents (most refugees from warn torn Africa) also bought about a reality check and what is important in life.