How meeting government school kids changed my view of privilege

There’s only so much you’ve seen of the world when you’re 13 and fresh into 8th grade. This

thought has been sitting with me ever since I met a group of students from a government school. I know it seems like those two things aren’t even vaguely connected to each other. But, they are. Because before that day, I truly believed I understood a lot about people and how the world worked. But meeting these children, communicating with them and spending time with them made me realize a lot of things.

Firstly, that life isn’t fair to everyone.

But mostly, It taught me the true meaning of privilege in a way no dictionary ever could.

This was the first time I was actually working with government school children and not just fundraising for them or planning activities for them, but sitting with them, laughing with them, and seeing their world up close.

That day wasn’t about a deadline, a task or a project. It was real.

And it made everything I thought I knew feel small in comparison.

The kids who came that day were full of energy, even though many of them had to walk miles over rough, slippery paths and steep hills just to get there. Despite the challenges they face every day, they showed up with bright smiles and open hearts. The most heartwarming thing was their eagerness to participate in all the activities we had in mind for them, whether it was dancing, drawing or playing games. These are things we do without thinking twice. But for them, these moments were precious. They were rare chances to laugh, play, and simply be kids. Seeing their joy in those simple activities made me realize how much we overlook in our busy lives. And the fact that they were living the moment to the fullest, without a trace of bitterness or envy, is a value all of us should learn from them.

Spending time with these children made me rethink everything I believed about privilege. It isn’t just about having more money or nicer things. It’s about what you never had to worry about like having a roof above your head, food to eat for dinner and a school with facilities and teachers, sadly, this wasn’t a reality for most of the kids I met that day.

That day, I felt a lot of emotions I never thought I would feel all at the same time.I felt guilty not because I had done something wrong, but because I had gone so long without realising how different life can be for others my age.

Then came a deep sense of gratefulness. I started noticing all the things I had taken for granted. From the way I travel to school to the safe space I study in every day.

I also felt incredibly happy. Happy that I got to be a part of something meaningful, that I got to be the reason some of these kids smiled in a long time.

But deep down I was hurting too, because no matter how much we did that day, I knew their

reality wouldn’t change when they walked back home.

That mix of emotions stayed with me long after the event ended. It made me more sensitive,

more observant, and more determined to help these kids to secure a future.

I want to carry that day with me -- not just as a memory, but as a reminder to stay grounded,

aware, and willing to make a difference whenever I can. Most of all, it completely changed how I see privilege.

I walked into that day thinking I was going to help someone else. But I walked out realising how much they had helped me by opening my eyes, by shifting my perspective, and by showing me what strength and joy can look like even with so little. Meeting those children didn’t just teach me something new. It changed something in me.