In an ongoing blog series, we’re highlighting Lions Clubs International Foundation’s support of worldwide efforts to help youth navigate challenges in school and develop life skills through the Foundation’s Lions Quest program, a global leader in social and emotional learning.
At Colegio Alberto Blest Gana School, in Santiago, Chile, teachers recently enhanced their ability to develop students confident in both school and life. They did so through Lions Quest, the signature youth development program from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Navigating childhood isn’t easy. As they develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually – and face challenges at home, in school, and from peers – youngsters can become overwhelmed. Fortunately, students at the Santiago school have teachers by their side who are now better able to help them thrive.
We must do our part to help teachers shape our country’s youth.
Leading the effort to help teachers take fresh approaches to the classroom were Lions, strong champions of Lions Quest’s Skills for Growing program. “Teachers deeply influence our children. We must do our part to help them shape our country’s youth to be confident, healthy, productive members of society,” said Magdalena Moya, multiple district Lions Quest chairperson.
With US$15,000 in grant funding from LCIF, volunteerism from Lions, and strong support from school administrators, Skills for Growing debuted last year. “Lions Quest is new to this district,” said Moya. “We’re grateful to LCIF for helping teachers access programs like this, which create environments where students learn to develop a strong commitment to family, school, and community.”
Children…our path forward
Childhood should be carefree, yet many youth face significant challenges. Consider these stark realities in Central and South America – challenges echoed throughout the world:
- 30% of adolescent students are bullied regularly.
- 2 in 3 children under age 15 experience violent discipline at home.
- 52% of males ages 13-15 engage in a physical fight at least once a year.
But there is hope for youth everywhere:
- Positive school climate practices like Lions Quest often reduce absenteeism and bullying.
- World renowned Harvard University found students participating in Lions Quest reported improved perceptions of school climate, and physical and emotional safety.
- Every US$1 spent on SEL initiatives yields US$11 return on investment.
LCIF and Lions: funding service, delivering solutions
Youth worldwide benefit from SEL programs like Lions Quest. To date, 19 million students and 760,000 educators in more than 100 countries and geographic areas have taken advantage of Lions Quest age-targeted programming. LCIF proudly continues its more than 35-year commitment to our world’s youth through:
- Lions Quest Program grants: Develop/expand the program; up to US$150,000
- Lions Quest Community Partnership grants: Launch/reactivate the program; up to US$150,000
- Lions Quest Promotional grants: Introduce the program to a community; up to US$1,500
- District and Club Community Impact grants: Apply to local district and club projects; grant amount varies
A foundation of good
LCIF is the grant-making body empowering Lions to create greater impact in their communities and around the world. One hundred percent of every donation supports Lions service through LCIF grants and programs.
Youth is just one cause area supported by LCIF and Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service. With financial support from Lions, Lions clubs, and friends of LCIF worldwide, Campaign 100 is empowering Lions to increase their service impact in vision, youth, disaster relief, and humanitarian efforts; fight the global epidemic of diabetes; and make important progress in expanded cause areas of childhood cancer, hunger, and the environment.
Ready to help children navigate school and life? Support LCIF. Support Lions.
Caryn Lerner is senior communications specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted communities around the world in different ways. To ensure we’re serving safely wherever we live, Lions should follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or local health authorities. Visit our Serving Safely page for resources that can help you safely serve your community.
