By Rebekah 'Bek' Shefford
What Does Service-learning Look Like at NISC?
At NISC, our students participate in service-learning in a variety of ways, be these within our curriculum, our extracurricular activities, or through independent student work. Here are some examples of what our students have done over the last year:
- A bake sale to raise money for Smile Cambodia – an NGO that provides free surgical care to children born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities.
- Providing recycling baskets for teachers to encourage staff to recycle their paper and cardboard.
- Raising money to donate to a clinic which provides prosthetic limbs to those in need.
How Has Service-learning Shaped Our Students?
One student reflects on their experience presenting to their classmates about domestic violence...
“I'm very grateful and honored to have presented amongst a group of people and spread awareness [...] This activity, although it may not have an impact on a huge-scale, I think it is the thought and the effort that counts and if even 1 of the audience of ours this would be really a very big achievement because it's hard to get people to understand the seriousness of this topic."
Another student comments on the leadership qualities gained, alongside the joy of helping others...
“Doing Service as Action itself over the years has allowed me to witness firsthand the many different ways how service can transform individuals and communities alike. Seeing the impact that I can make on others around me has motivated me [...] (from supporting the medical community in Cambodia to raising awareness on childrens' rights and more), empathy and cultural understanding is built which enriches my perspectives. SA has contributed to building my leadership qualities, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills, and organizational skills, preparing me for future both my personal and professional future.”
My Own Experience With Service-learning.
As an IB graduate myself, service learning has influenced many of my adult decisions, including my passion for volunteering and my role as a teacher. Having entered the SA Coordinator role this year, I have been blown away by the care and thought our students put into their service as action work. I can clearly recognise the influence of service learning on many of my life decisions and see it as something that has shaped who I am today. I hope to instill the same passion for volunteering and service in our students – raising ambitious minds and caring hearts who will work to make the world a better place.
