The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world had been running. And the education sector has not been untouched by the effects of the pandemic: distance learning is the new normal now!
And while kids are finding it tough to come to terms with learning virtually, their parents are also finding it difficult to accommodate the schedules and needs of the students. Parents now need to set up computers, laptops, earphones, and study tables and chairs for their children at home.
And 44-year-old father of four, Mitchell Couch from Lemoore in California was no different. He was very overwhelmed to find stationery, books, and study material strewn all over his house and dining table after a day of online learning for his children.
And to make things more convenient for his children and ensure that there was no intermingling of school and family time and space, he went to the nearby store, bought supplies worth $50 and within a couple of hours built two study desks.
“Their school work was always all over the table and we were constantly having to move it, so I built some desks for my kids so they could have their own space,” said Couch.
He posted this on social media and was soon flooded with people asking him how they could build their own desks. So, he made a quick YouTube tutorial with clear step-by-step instructions for others to follow.
“We started getting so many messages from people who wanted to build their own desks too, but didn’t know how to assemble the wood,” Couch said. “So, I decided to make a YouTube video with step-by-step instructions in order to help as many people as possible.”
As the word of Couch’s amazing carpentry skills spread, the local grocery outlet offered to fund supplies to Couch for building more desks for other children in the district.
Couch accepted the offer, and within a week, he built around 40 desks!
He has now set up a GoFundMe account to provide desks free of cost to students in need in Lemoore and the rural areas in the vicinity.
He also posted his story on the social media platform Reddit and was overwhelmed with the positive response he got.
The messages of gratitude that he has received from parents, teachers, and students is what keeps Couch motivated to help his community. And he doesn’t intend to stop this activity.
“If I can help the community get through this pandemic with some wood and nails, you bet I will keep at this,” he said.
“Sometimes we look at things on a national or worldwide level and it can bring us down,” Couch accepted. “When you focus [on those] around you, you can have the greatest impact by just helping and being charitable with your neighbors and friends.”
And we could not agree more. Charity begins at home, and Couch has proved it!
What do you think of Couch’s effort? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
