While many teenagers started their summer relaxing, 16 dedicated Year 10 girls joined GIFT, choosing a different path, spending three action-packed days in Brighton on a volunteering trip focused on giving, learning, and personal growth.

The trip was designed not only to provide hands-on volunteering experience but also to educate the girls about the importance and impact of giving. Despite the jam-packed schedule, the girls also had time for fun, enjoying a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Over the three days, the girls participated in a variety of activities aimed at supporting and understanding the needs of different community groups. Highlights included volunteering at a Half-Way House where the girls assisted residents with severe mental health issues, offering support and companionship. The girls took on litter picking at Brighton beach, helping keep Brighton’s public spaces clean and inviting for everyone. They also assembled care packs for homeless individuals and personally delivered them, engaging in meaningful conversations to better understand their lives and challenges.

Before each activity, the girls received educational sessions to deepen their understanding of the issues at hand. For instance, prior to their homeless outreach, they learned about homelessness and the importance of treating each person as an individual, fostering empathy and respect.

The trip also included time for fun and bonding, with an enjoyable visit to Brighton Pier and a memorable BBQ evening.

Chaya Necha Milun, the trip leader and a high school educator at GIFT, expressed her pride in the girls’ commitment and growth: “For me, this is a truly inspirational trip. Learning with the girls, doing the activities, and watching them grow, change, and become kinder and more caring makes it a privilege to be part of this trip. This is what GIFT is all about!”

Ella Adelman from Hasmonean Girls’ School participated in the trip and shared her thoughts, saying, “It was an enlightening experience that I would do time and time again.”

The Brighton trip exemplifies GIFT’s mission to educate and inspire young people to give and make a positive impact in their communities. Through these experiences, the girls not only contributed to various causes but also developed a deeper appreciation for the value of giving and the power of kindness.