How Beacon builds a service mentality

Service is at the heart of the Beacon Changemakers programme. We believe that giving back to one’s community is not only a moral obligation but also a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By engaging in service, our scholars develop essential leadership skills, cultivate empathy, and make a lasting positive impact on the world.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

During their education, whether at school or university, Beacon Scholars are required to contribute to their community, and be seen as role models for citizenship behaviours.

This could entail, for example,

  • Participating in a club or organisation focused on helping disadvantaged people;
  • Responding to challenges of the environment;
  • Ensuring the welfare of animals;
  • Becoming a contributing member of a charitable organisation; or
  • Engaging with an appropriate community-based organisation outside school or university.

Beacon Scholars must produce evidence of their involvement in a service endeavour on an ongoing basis, and set Citizenship goals on their Target Sheet.

The benefits of service:

  • Leadership Development
    Service opportunities provide a platform for scholars to practise leadership skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
  • Community Impact
    By giving back to their communities, scholars can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and address pressing social issues.
  • Personal Growth
    Service experiences can foster empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose, leading to personal growth and development.
  • Networking Opportunities
    Engaging in community service can help scholars build relationships with like-minded individuals and expand their professional networks.
  • Career Advancement
    Many employers value community involvement and consider it a sign of leadership potential.

Beacon Changemakers’ commitment to service:

  • Required Citizenship Projects
    All Beacon Scholars are required to complete an annual citizenship project as part of their programme.
  • Mentorship Opportunities
    Scholars have the opportunity to mentor younger students and share their knowledge and experiences.
  • Community Involvement
    Beacon Changemakers can help identify service opportunities in local organisations that align with our mission.
  • Experiential Service-Learning Integration
    Research has told us that service is key, not only to learning how to contribute to communities but also to improving leadership skills. Through citizenship projects, which are a core part of our leadership curriculum, we provide scholars with opportunities to apply their learning in real-world contexts.

Examples of Citizenship Projects

  • Education Initiatives
    Tutoring, mentoring, and providing educational resources to underserved communities.
  • Environmental Projects
    Participating in conservation efforts, tree planting, and clean-up initiatives.
  • Social Justice Advocacy
    Advocating for social change and raising awareness about important issues.
  • Community Development
    Working on projects to improve infrastructure, housing, or healthcare in local communities.
Citizenship Projects Videos