Harvest Festival: Fostering Gratitude and Generosity
In a fast-paced world, it’s crucial to instill in our children the values of gratitude and giving back to the community. One way British schools achieve this is through the celebration of the Harvest Festival, a time-honored tradition that not only brings the school community together but also provides an opportunity to help those in need. This article explores Alegra’s Harvest Festival, where students spend a week collecting food for the less fortunate and culminate the event with a heartwarming ceremony.
The Week-Long Collection
The school Harvest Festival typically spans a week, during which students, teachers, and families come together to collect non-perishable food items. This collection is a vital part of the event as it teaches students the importance of generosity and empathy toward those less fortunate. Students are encouraged to bring in items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and fresh foods like vegetables, meat, etc. This collaborative effort not only contributes to the success of the festival but also helps students understand the value of working together for a common cause.
The Blessing Ceremony
The highlight of the school Harvest Festival is often the blessing ceremony, held on Friday, the final day of collection. The school chaplain, Father Pablo, plays a pivotal role in this ceremony. It’s a moment to reflect on all the God-given gifts we have and to give thanks for all of them.
During the blessing ceremony, students and teachers gather in the House of Mary. The atmosphere is filled with reverence and reflection as the chaplain shares words of wisdom, highlighting the significance of sharing with those in need. The Alegra Choir shined giving the musical touch to the ceremony.
House Captains and Charity Deliveries
A unique feature of the school Harvest Festival is the involvement of the recently selected House Captains. They play an essential role in organizing and overseeing the collection process. On the day of the blessing ceremony, they also take on the responsibility of ensuring that the collected food items reach those in need.
The House Captains, accompanied by teachers personally deliver the food donations to Caritas Majadahonda. This hands-on experience of giving back helps students connect with the real-world impact of their generosity.
“We would like to express our profound joy and gratitude to our families of Alegra Prep School. Thank you to all parents and students for making this Harvest Festival donation the most abundant that it has ever been. We thank you for your generosity and charity. Together, we were able to help many families in need” – María Álvarez de Toledo, Head of Prep School
Giving Thanks by Giving Back
The school Harvest Festival embodies the essence of giving thanks by giving back to the community. It teaches students that gratitude is not just a passive feeling but an active force for good. By coming together to collect food and share it with those less fortunate, students learn compassion, empathy, generosity and the value of community involvement.
Moreover, the school Harvest Festival fosters a sense of unity within the school community. It reinforces the idea that everyone has a role to play in making the world a better place. It is a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
Alegra’s Harvest Festival is a meaningful tradition that leaves a lasting impact on students’ hearts and minds.
We know how fortunate we are in Alegra to channel through Caritas the generosity of our families. In the words of Jose María y María Jose, representatives of Cáritas, “Cáritas comes from the word charity, and charity is love”.
