This article is brought to you in part by the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL).

“After visiting the hospital, I am all smiles. I know that spending time with children who have cancer, and making their faces a bit brighter is important. I also know that I have made a difference in their lives and I really know that I want to continue to make a difference in my future.” – Grade 5 Red Hat

The Red Hat program at Melawati consists of Grade 5 students who work towards leadership, being role-models, and carrying out community service projects. Service is the area that is the most difficult to demonstrate. We are often asked to donate money, baked goods, clothing, etc… This is a very important aspect of service.

Donating one’s time, however is more challenging and, often, more impactful. One way Red Hats donate their time is by making visits to the Children’s Hospital which they do on Sundays once every three or four weeks. The Red Hats choose games, stories and colouring books from home to bring to the hospital.

They sit and play with the children, often not speaking the same language, yet brightening up their day and giving their parents, who are living in the hospital with their children, a break and some needed smiles and comfort. The Red Hats also come to understand and empathize with children who are dealing with difficult issues.

The visits to the hospital help the Red Hats make service part of their daily lives and thought processes. The hope is that they will spread these sentiments to others at ISKL and their community.

– Max Mangelsdorf, Grade 5 teacher 

This post was originally published in The Expat Magazine  (February 2016) which is available online or in print via a free subscription.