The Healing Power of Community: Kismet and COVID-19

Life without our People

COVID-19 is causing a disturbance in the family life of everyone around us. Kinship to many people and in many cultures expands beyond blood relations and reaches into our communities, schools and extended families. At this time, many of us are experiencing distancing from some of the most beloved members of our familial and social circles, which results in feelings of unease and loss. However, what worries me most is the lingering pain and potential trauma this could leave on our most vulnerable youth. What I want to highlight and discuss more poignantly is the loneliness factor. I am aware that there are many demographics who will experience this in unbearable ways, however, to relate to the mission of Kismet, I am going to focus on the experiences of school-aged children. Even more specifically, school-aged children who come from families that lack the typical resources that would be available to “middle-class families.”

To some people, this might feel like an extended vacation, but to a lot of children out there, the long term cancellation of school means that their only structure and sense of safety has been taken away. Not only do schools provide meals to feed insecure families (the National School Lunch Program is among the top three largest Federal food and nutrition assistance programs)[1], but they also provide a valuable social arena. A space that is essential for the emotional, social and intellectual development of youth.

Potential Consequences of COVID-19 on our Youth 

According to Education Week, there are 50.8 million students enrolled in public schools [2]. As far as I can tell, many are likely to experience a school closure to some extent. A main issue of inequity disproportionately experienced by low-income students is the increased chance of being left home alone, consequently resulting in social isolation [3]. At this time, it seems reasonable to speculate kids are likely to be at home with at least one parent/guardian, especially due to the mandated stay at home orders. However, what if home wasn’t a place of comfort, but rather a hub of stress and anxiety? Or, what if a child's parent is an essential worker and forced to leave them home alone all day? Or what if the source of love and compassion a child typically receives is from a grandparent, teacher, or best friend? And what happens if a child is unable to receive that love and compassion for months on end? Could the result be social isolation and loneliness? 

Research has shown there is a strong correlation between social isolation and loneliness in children. To follow that, the data also demonstrates that lonely children are more susceptible to mental disorders including depressive symptoms [4]. I am not here sharing this with you in doubt of the abilities families have to support their children. I am, however, speaking as an individual experiencing loneliness as a result of this situation, but also as an adult individual who has developed some resiliency to handle my emotions. Our younger ones may not have these skills or even a full understanding of what is going on or why they’re alienated from their peers and family members.

Why Kismet Matters: The Importance of Recovery 

It is my greatest wish that things settle as soon as possible so the connections that matter most can be reset. So our children can go back to school, parents back to work, friends, and families back together. I am eager for the Kismet season so that the gracious act of rock climbing and powerful bonds our students experience can help one another mend from whatever marks are left behind from this pandemic. Through rock climbing and community, Kismet brings forward the healing power of relationship, acceptance, non-judgment, and love. Even if we cannot run a typical climbing season, we will find some way to support our students and bring them together.