The power of kindness in school

By Lawisa Alhassan, FOMWAN Basic School, Abuja

School is more than a place where students learn mathematics, English, science and other subjects. It is also where young people learn how to relate to others. One important quality every student should develop is kindness.

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Kindness means showing care, respect and consideration towards other people. It can be as simple as greeting a classmate, helping someone who is struggling with a school task, sharing with someone who has less or encouraging a friend who is having a difficult day.

Kindness can make the school environment more enjoyable. When students treat one another with respect, there is less bullying, fighting and unnecessary disagreement. A student who feels accepted and respected is also more likely to participate actively in class and build healthy friendships.

Teachers also benefit from a kind and respectful classroom. When students cooperate with one another, lessons can take place in a peaceful environment. Simple acts such as listening when others speak, saying “please” and “thank you”, and apologising when we are wrong can make a significant difference.

However, kindness does not mean allowing people to take advantage of us. Students should still learn to set healthy boundaries and report bullying or harmful behaviour to trusted adults.

Every student has the opportunity to make someone else’s day better. A smile, an encouraging word or a helping hand may seem small, but it can have a lasting effect.

A kind school begins with kind students. If every student chooses to show a little more kindness each day, the entire school community can become a happier and safer place for everyone.