“What Can I Do to Help?”
by Lesley Ewing
Eleven years ago, I walked through the doors of the first school where I would serve as a chaplain. I sat down with the head teacher, and the first words I spoke were: “What can I do to help?”
And so, I began as a school chaplain.
I have never gone in with the expectation of telling a school what I would be doing. Instead, I offer myself as a trusted, caring adult—someone there to support not only the children, but the whole school community.
This approach has never changed for me. I always look at the needs of the school before thinking about anything else. My role is to live out the gospel in every aspect of my chaplaincy, to build relationships, and to nurture the ones I have with pupils, families, and staff.
I am chaplain at three primary schools, our local high school, and I am a regular visitor to other schools in our learning cluster, including our local Catholic primary school.
My role varies from school to school. One day I might be helping in the dinner hall, which gives me the amazing opportunity to speak to pupils across the school. On other days, I may be leading assemblies, taking part in special services, joining school trips and P7 residentials, running girls’ groups or nurture groups, offering one-to-one sessions at the high school, supporting pupils as they transition from primary to secondary, or simply being present during their first week of high school. No two days are ever the same.
Schools are struggling just now. Post-COVID recovery is still very evident. Some children and young people are finding it difficult to attend school regularly, while others are struggling with socialising and wider aspects of school life. Funding for additional support is at an all-time low, and sadly, I see this affecting both pupils and the staff who work so hard to ensure every child can reach their potential.
We live in a rapidly changing digital world, in a society full of distractions and challenges for children and young people. It is heartbreaking to see what many are experiencing and how so many families struggle to afford even the basic things needed to live above the poverty line.
I feel called to share these realities with those outside the education community, to raise awareness of the issues faced by children, young people, families, and school staff. Too often, those without inside knowledge of the school system are simply unaware of what it is really like to walk the corridors of our schools.
Please pray for all those who do.
Lesley Ewing is a full-time youth and children’s worker in Kirkton Church, Carluke, and a student minister for the Church of Scotland
