For many children, the word cancer is surrounded by silence, fear, or fragments of overheard conversations. They realise how serious cancer is, but they’re often not given guidance and support to interpret what it means. Schools have a vital role to fulfil on World Cancer Day – to assist children in their understanding of this complex subject by approaching it with empathy and understanding rather than fear, and ultimately, to provide a safe place for them and their families to seek out additional information and support.
Education goes beyond academics. Education is a means of equipping children with the necessary tools to be prepared for the realities of life; the realities of illness, indecision, and emotional resilience all form an integral part of the lives of most children. Schools that provide age-appropriate and constructive formats will aid students in building an understanding of cancer as a “health condition” as opposed to something that they should be afraid of, and consequently, should also be viewed as something that creates “stigma” around people who have been impacted by cancer. Young children need reassurance and very simple terms in order to talk about cancer, while older students can be taught about prevention, treatment, and the role of modern medical science.
As we have previously discussed many illnesses, we can also have some dialogue about other areas of importance that are much more value-based. Young people have a natural affinity for helping others, and through small acts of kindness, teachers can nurture this quality in students (creating mail that is sent with messages of support to someone diagnosed with cancer, making students aware of programs/activities designed to help others, etc.) In teaching students about the basis of empathy, and letting them know that their own empathy can and will cause positive changes in the lives of others helps them to understand they too have a role in making positive contributions to society.
Educators provide tremendous guidance in areas of conversation. When teachers create a classroom that is inquiry-based, students will ask questions that will allow them to seek out answers from the teacher, lessening the anxiety level connected to any misconceptions. Educators will also demonstrate ways that students can help other students whose parent/family member is suffering from cancer, through their own actions of compassion, respect, and empathy, rather than through pity or curiosity about these students.
Partnering together in the collective success of a child is extremely important to create safety for children. Children know they can count on communication to be safe and caring. Children will also have a greater understanding of obstacles that arise when we are sick, but they will know they can rely on kindness, science and hope to help them through these difficult times.
By allowing children to see that their feelings will be supported during difficult times, schools can raise awareness for World Cancer Day by promoting empathy instead of avoidance, understanding instead of fear, and developing a strong, compassionate, emotionally-sound child who is not only capable of success but also capable of being a caring and responsible person.