How can we inspire whole-life generosity from the youngest age?

This has been the question I have been seeking to answer with my own family and during my 34 years in primary education. 

Since joining the Diocese of York as a Generous Giving Adviser in December 2022, I’ve been helping develop the ‘IDEA’ strand of the National Giving Strategy (Inspire, Disciple, Embed, Activate) whose aim is to inspire a culture of gratitude and embed generosity in one’s personal and communal life. This is to enable growth in our discipleship as an act of worship in response to the generosity of our gracious God.

A vision for teaching young people about generosity

My vision is for our children to grow up with a life-long love of living with kindness that goes the extra mile. As we know, generosity is a vital component of discipleship, because it reflects the heart of Christ and fosters a community of love and support. In a world where self-interest often prevails, teaching young people about generosity is essential. It helps them understand the importance of selflessness, compassion, and the joy of giving.  That’s why, since I started this role, I have been actively seeking answers to “How do we inspire and embed whole-life generosity from the youngest age?’

I am familiar with some of the curricula out there, and kindness, forgiveness and generosity are certainly included, with many fantastic resources to enable the teaching. But I wonder how often it translates from head knowledge to heart knowledge.

To that aim, I am researching with National Giving Advisors, youth and children’s workers, departments of education, schools and colleges, children and young people, as well as families and churches to assess what would be most helpful to enable this transformation. This is all through an Asset Based Community Development approach, as the solution to our issues are often within ourselves.

Important elements in a discipleship curriculum or programme

To effectively teach generosity, a curriculum should include:

• Biblical Foundations: Incorporate Bible verses that highlight God's generosity and Jesus' promises of a life of abundance, when we live in faith and gratitude.
• Practical Applications: Provide ongoing opportunities for young people to practice generosity in real-life situations so that living generously becomes a rhythm of their life.
• Role Models: Adults need to be aware that they are being watched and listened to by the children around them. We need to ask ourselves, ‘What is my life demonstrating? Do I live with a scarcity or abundance mindset?’ Plus, share stories and examples of generous individuals, both historical and contemporary and the positive impact they had on society.
• Reflection and Discussion: Encourage young people to reflect on their experiences and discuss the impact of generosity so that they learn to note the positive effect on their mental, spiritual and physical well-being.
• Service Projects: Organise accessible hands-on activities that allow young people to serve others and experience the joy of giving. These are best done in a  multigenerational and multicultural way to break down any barriers.

The Path Forward

The path forward involves creating a supportive environment where young people can grow in their understanding and practice of generosity. This journey began with reaching out to young people to co-create materials and share ideas across four areas of outreach: family, school, church, and college. The process included interactive Collective Worship sessions, family outreach during Sunday services, and engaging with leadership teams to gather ideas.

Key themes have emerged, such as the importance of modelling generous behaviour and developing a "kindness muscle memory." Practical suggestions from children include creating a ‘thank you’ table placemat to encourage expressions of gratitude.

Moving forward, the Church of England will continue to leverage its extensive network of Generous Giving Advisers, education departments and youth leaders to share ideas and resources. By leaning on God's wisdom and guidance, we aim to intentionally reach out to our young people, praying they will experience the full joy of knowing Jesus and live generously from a young age. This will cultivate a culture of generosity, hope and gratitude throughout their lives, enabling society to thrive and flourish.