18/11/2025
Every year we ask our Queen's Award entrants to do a minimum of 48 hours of Voluntary Service. We recently read the reports of these amazing young ladies and how they chose to serve.
Our 2024 entrant Shikara completed her hours at a local rest home. She began serving in the kitchen, however felt that she had very little contact with the elderly residents. She realised that for some residents – especially those with memory loss – the comfort of a familiar face and a few friendly words mattered more than the actual content of a conversation.
Shikara changed her hours so she could spend more quality time with the residents. Through this she learnt so much, but says that "perhaps the most important growth came in how I view service. Giving back to others is not only about practical help but valuing people and showing them dignity. Even when I was tired, busy or unsure of myself, I saw how a single hour of my time could make someone feel seen and cared for. That lesson is something I want to carry with me into future volunteering opportunities, my relationships, leadership roles and career."
Shikara went on to finish her report to the Queen's Award Committee saying, Through my voluntary service, I am reminded of Jesus' humility and servant leadership. Small acts of kindness bring comfort and reflect God's great love.
Service is about more than what I do; it's about who I do it for and why – God and His people, in a spirit of love. As Jesus says in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
(Image credit: daily verses. net)
