The pulse of New York City throbs with the vigour of a race horse in full gallop. I saddled up long ago to ride that glorious dynamism, and the journey has transported me to many places within myself. While I am now inclined to places that trot rather than run (time slows us all), I still feel invigorated by the lessons New York teaches me.

One recent lesson came when I was walking alone along a quiet street in Harlem. I love Harlem for many reasons including the sense of community and cultural richness I feel there. While being around throngs of people always inspires me, I cherish a walk alone in New York. This walk in Harlem extended me a gift – one I needed to unwrap and hold close.

I came to a townhome with a crumbling and considerably worn exterior. The state of it was a form of art. Two lion statues stood out front before the steps leading up to the front door. Those lions initially drew me in, not because of the roar of their regal polish, but because of the silence of their unimposing corrosion – teeth missing, paws broken off, manes chipped.

It seemed clear that based on the state of the property it had long ago been vacated. I pondered the person and family who decades ago placed those statues out front with deserving pride and the many people who would crossed up the stairs into this home over many years. What came to me as I stood there was the question of what we leave behind that is of true value.

Just as I turned away from the property with that question on my mind, there I saw an answer in the face and colours of a striking mural painted across a brick wall. The mural was next to a school named after one of my heroes - educator and philanthropist Mary McLeod Bethune. The work of art depicted sunlight beaming out across the face of a young and promising girl with open books fluttering around her like doves.

I have come to see the work of lifting, teaching, and encouraging children, young people, and families as one of the most important endeavours in life.

Children, young people, and families need our time, focus, and resources. There are many people and organisations to support around the world. In Scotland, I have great regard for many leaders and organisations focused on advancing human support, especially those individuals who are vulnerable.

Children 1st is Scotland’s National Children’s Charity. Their clarion mission is to provide emotional, practical, and financial support to help families to put children first.

I love the principle that Children 1st advances of supporting the “whole family when they need it, for as long as they need it.”

Every child deserves love and compassion especially those vulnerable ones who are surrounded by trauma and financial hardship. Children 1st is comprised of an amazing team that is involved in interventions and advocacy that is innovative and truly making a difference.

Another inspiring group in Scotland is called Right There. They are working with more than 4,000 children, adults and families each year. Right There confronts social and community challenges head-on with a compassionate and non-judgmental hand.

The staff led by CEO Janet Haugh is making a lasting difference, upholding the principle that a healthy society is one that places attention on the vulnerable individuals within it. These are but two examples of entities to emulate not just in Scotland and the UK, but globally.

As I left Harlem that evening, I had the good fortune of walking with friends. We crossed by a soccer pitch next to the Harlem YMCA that provides a safe haven for young people. As I watched the players and even interacted with them a bit up close while telling them briefly about Scotland, I saw on their faces hope and energy. Their faces reminded me of the moving mural I had seen earlier of the girl, but what stuck me is that their young lives were real. I could see that genuineness in the breath that emanated from them in the cold spring air.

Harlem had gifted me a lesson: that which we leave behind that is of most value is time and resources spent uplifting others and helping them see their worth. We are in this together.

Ian Houston has spent his career as an advocate for diplomacy, trade, poverty alleviation, and intercultural dialogue. He promotes commercial, educational, artistic, and charitable linkages between Scotland, UK, and the US. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of the West of Scotland and honorary Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. He is located in the Washington, DC area. His views are his own.