Many top international schools offer service learning opportunities and community projects. During these activities, compassion and selflessness are taught, practiced and ingrained. We hear from students about the meaningful community service they’ve been involved with.
UWCSEA – service learning through all grades
From K1 through to Grade 12, UWCSEA students can engage in one or all of three types of service learning: College Service, Local Service and Global Concerns.
All Primary School students take part in a service project with a local Singaporean organisation. This is incorporated into their weekly timetable. They also have the option of volunteering for a lunchtime service activity in another area. Some examples are animal welfare or campus sustainability initiatives.
Middle School students participate in regular service activities locally or globally. They also explore service-related concepts through UWCSEA-designed courses. This include Social, Environmental, Entrepreneurship Development on East Campus or the Sustainable Development Unit on Dover Campus.
High School students commit to long-term service engagements as part of their UWCSEA High School Diploma requirements. They’re also encouraged to take on leadership roles in service activities. They lead or support their peers in service programmes, provide sports or language coaching or engage in sustainability projects with younger students. Additionally, they volunteer on a weekly basis with a local service partner. This volunteer commitment begins in Grades 9 and 10 and extends through Grade 11. This culminates in Project Week – a Service-led collaboration with an overseas NGO.
According to the College, the deliberate design of the Dover and East campuses demonstrates a commitment to service and environmental stewardship. The Rainforest Nurseries and other green spaces serve as outdoor classrooms. These facilitate service activities such as gardening, composting and urban farming. One of the programmes hosted in the nurseries is the Rainforest Restoration Programme collaboration with NParks. In this project, students learn cultivation techniques to preserve sensitive biodiversity zones. They propagate seedlings of endangered trees and shrubs indigenous to the region and identify suitable replanting sites such as Singapore’s Rail Corridor.
A student shares…
“I joined the Rainforest Restoration Programme (RRP) in Grade 9 and have continued my service throughout my High School years. Our activities range from awareness campaigns to sapling nurturing and tree-planting with NParks along the Rail Corridor. As Co-Chair of RRP, I’ve learned the importance of communication, coordination, time management, of collaborating with others and educating our community. These skills are transferable to any setting, whether in school or at work. I’m grateful for this wonderful opportunity to practise them at a young age.” – Christina, Grade 12 Dover Campus
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School – student-led service learning
The message of helping others and understanding global issues is introduced from Nursery at Tanglin Trust School. At the same time, UNICEF’s Rights Respecting School Accreditation is a core component of the Junior School curriculum. Senior School students can participate in service learning through various overseas and local projects offered as part of Tanglin’s CCA programme. Additional opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme for Years 10 to 13, and the Creativity, Action, Service programme. The latter forms part of the core curriculum for all Sixth Formers. Regular charity events which occur throughout the school year help nurture a sense of service across the whole school. Regular charity events which occur throughout the school year help nurture a sense of service across the whole school.
Tanglin also offers opportunities for students to explore service learning through the Deirdre Lew Service Award, which is supported by The Foundation. This initiative encourages students and recent alumni to learn more about the world they live in, make a positive contribution and exercise responsible citizenship. Notable student-led projects include a bike refurbishment initiative which helps low-income families.
A student shares…
“As part of my service learning at Tanglin, I volunteer with a homeless charity. However, I wanted to do something more so I applied for the Deirdre Lew Service Award. Balancing the project with taking IGCSE exams was tricky but Tanglin was very supportive throughout the entire process. I was pleased to see how the award made an immediate difference to someone in need.” – Amelia L, Year 12
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
SJI International – meaningful community service projects
SJI International provides opportunities for every student to engage meaningfully with the community. This enables students to deepen their understanding of local issues and connect to global issues. They also develop skills that will equip them to be positive contributors to societies in the future.
Elementary School hosts two major fundraising events each term. One is the Lapathon event where the entire school community comes together to raise funds for sister Lasallian preschools in Sri Lanka. Benefactors have included organisations such as Willing Hearts, Books Beyond Borders, Children’s Cancer Foundation Singapore and the Singapore Red Cross. Grade 5 and Grade 6 students also have opportunities to organise their own fundraising initiatives for local Singaporean charities as part of their CASS projects.
In the High School, Grade 7 students partner with the Water and Health Foundation to support water sanitation projects in Cambodia. In Grade 8, students embark on projects linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals for recycling, food, fashion, plastic and energy – they evaluate, plan and implement changes for good within the community. Grade 9 students pursue their NYAA Bronze Award, supporting Touch Homecare, Cheshire Homes and Mountbatten Vocational School weekly providing support to those in need. In Grade 10, students pursue FCAS/NYAA Silver Awards, initiating Conservation Matters for nature advocacy among peers. The IB Diploma Programme students complete their compulsory Creativity, Activity, Service element with individual service-focused learning, culminating in a showcase for parents and the SJI International community in November.
A student shares…
“In late 2023, SJI International’s Service Learning Council collaborated with SIM University’s Student Ambassador team to host a brief event for Child at Street 11. Prior to the service interaction, we conducted a week-long Christmas-themed fundraiser and donation drive at our schools, selling various items like handmade soaps and keychains. The proceeds funded small gifts for the children and materials for our activities. Witnessing the joy on the children’s faces made the planning worthwhile. This unique opportunity for external collaboration allowed both groups to gain valuable skills and creative ideas, enhancing the possibilities for future service initiatives in our schools.” – Kaitlyn, Grade 12
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore) – service learning at all ages
At Dulwich College (Singapore), service learning is an intrinsic component. This stems from the College’s core values and vision, whereby students are encouraged to “Live Worldwise” and gain an understanding of current global issues. The aim is for students to develop the skills, confidence and motivation to act with a sense of agency. Therefore, they make a positive difference within themselves and their local community and extending that into the wider world. The College says that, in turn, student wellbeing is also positively impacted since participation in service-learning opportunities allows students to feel interconnected, gain a sense of purpose and belong to something that is greater than themselves.
Students are involved in meaningful service-learning programmes at all ages in the College. This happens through collaborative action based on authentic and current community needs as well as their own interests. This might be raising awareness through advocacy campaigns for local NGOs, doing direct or indirect community action such as working with the elderly at a local care home, hosting food and toy drives and community walks for mental health, to name but a few. Senior School students also have the opportunity to increase their involvement through a Service CCA, DCSG Changemakers, the International Award, and both the IBDP and CP Core.
A student shares…
“I’m part of a financial literacy initiative that aims to host workshops to educate younger members of the Dulwich community about personal financial management. My involvement in this project stems from a passion for economics as well as a desire to make a difference within the community. Although the project is still in its beginning stages, it’s been a great opportunity to collaborate with students and teachers who I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet and work with. It’s incredibly rewarding. I highly encourage others to get involved in service learning projects!” – Emily van Rooyen, Year 12
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
Australian International School – service learning with a theme
The Australian International School (AIS) Sharks take individual and collective action to make a positive difference locally and globally. The school’s service learning theme for 2024 is “Staying Connected” and initiatives are largely student driven. Students are encouraged to research and brainstorm ideas, collaborate and coordinate logistics, and reflect on growing as an internationally minded global citizen.
Schools 4 Schools is a Year 11 legacy project where students raise money for AIS sister schools in Nepal and India. Fundraising activities include team triathlons, Foreign Film Nights, Talent Shows and Baking Competitions. In 2023, the Year 11 students raised $30,000 for S4S. They also visited the school in Nepal to understand the impact of their contributions. Other AIS annual legacy projects include a clothing drive to support Thrift Store I Am, The Push-Up Challenge to promote mental health awareness, the Food Drive for the Singapore Food Bank and the Soles for Souls Shoe Drive. The school’s Butterfly Garden, which is a beautiful spot, was designed by students – and students also maintain it.
Through the IBDP CAS program, some students even create opportunities in their home countries to support needs in their local communities. The school’s extensive CCA programme is also popular for service learning. AIS senior students play an integral part in this as they become mentors for junior students and help them to cook, learn languages, play sport and develop social skills through games. All eligible members of the AIS family are also invited to the annual Red Cross Blood Drive.
A word from two Year 12 students…
“Community service is an interest of ours. Last year, we participated in numerous projects. These included the Cambodia book drive, the clothing drive and other Schools 4 Schools initiatives like the talent show and multiple bake sales. These experiences have allowed us to change perspective. We also adopt a new level of responsibility through planning, collaborating and organising events. On a personal level, these experiences helped us connect with our peers, environment and values. Throughout these journeys we encountered issues with internal communication and organisation but through determination, the end result was worth the struggle.” – Clea and Lucas
1 Lorong Chuan
6883 8127 | ais.edu.sg
The Winstedt School – indirect and direct service learning
Service learning has become an integral part of The Winstedt School’s educational philosophy. Winstedt students from four to 18 years of age have many opportunities to engage in meaningful indirect and direct service learning.
Direct service learning activities provide students with practical experiences that deepen their understanding of how each individual can positively and directly impact people in and around their communities. For example, as part of a unit that focused on learning about different ways people stay mentally and physically fit for life, Winstedt students decided to focus on ways to support the elderly in Singapore’s community. During STEAM class, they built carrom boards then delivered them to residents of the THKMC Geylang Elderly Activity Centre.
Indirect service learning takes the form of raising awareness or collecting donations. During the Existing, Endangered, Extinct IPC unit, for instance, students learned about the impact of habitat loss on animals in the wild and how conservation efforts by organisations help to protect endangered species. They created immersive experiences for a Learning Showcase that was presented to the school’s broader community. They also collected donations to support Mandai Zoo’s conservation efforts. Other examples of indirect service include collecting food items during Winstedt’s annual Gratitude Week for Food Bank Singapore, and raising money for supported organisations such as Thye Hwa Kwan Moral Charities, the World Wildlife Foundation and Wishing Well.
The school continues creating service learning opportunities for students. In 2024, senior school students are engaging in Changemakers, a semester-long collaborative service learning project. Students will identify community needs, design and execute an indirect or direct service activity, then reflect on the impact that their service has on the target community. Through this, students develop skills in the areas of collaboration, communication, adaptability and empathy.
A word from two Year 6 students…
“I think saving animals is important because without them, the planet will not thrive. It is diversity that helps maintain the earth’s beauty. A truly enjoyable experience that sparked more thoughts about animals – to feed or not to feed.” – Sophie
“The fundraiser/showcase has been really eye-opening, teaching me how to safeguard the environment from extinction. I also felt a great sense of accomplishment when we managed to raise the funds. I even received a personal thank you note from Mandai Zoo!” – Kai
1208 Upper Boon Keng Road
6715 5373 | winstedt.edu.sg
Singapore American School – student-initiated service learning
Singapore American School (SAS) students are empowered to make a difference in their communities. In this way, they develop an early commitment to active citizenship as part of being a responsible global citizen. The school says that students find meaning in benefiting others when they brainstorm, research, interview, plan activities, build connections, and contribute to communities’ areas of need.
Service learning is integrated into the curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 8. Until Grade 12, students take part in service learning opportunities in school, in their community, and in regional and global communities. Students have also initiated over 40 high school service clubs over the years. New service clubs are constantly evolving in response to local and global needs. Encouraged to initiate their own service learning projects, they work on valuable life skills and towards becoming responsible, enlightened and reflective global citizens. Six elected students guide all high school service clubs by serving on the school’s Executive Service Council. Students who join these clubs develop skills such as taking initiative, collaborating, organising and implementing.
For over two decades, Special Sports at SAS has aimed to provide comfort and support to individuals with special needs, especially those with Down syndrome and autism. Since 2014, SAS has been partnering with Singapore Special Olympics to accomplish its mission of hosting weekly swimming and basketball sessions for athletes.
A student shares…
“Each week, athletes from the Special Olympics arrive at SAS campus and we spend an hour swimming and engaging in activities together. Throughout our sessions, we focus on staying active and healthy, while also building strong relationships and connections. Seeing the smiles on the athletes’ faces each time they achieve a new fitness goal shows club members how important this club truly is for many of the athletes. Volunteering through this club has taught us compassion and the ability to deal with challenges. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from these athletes, who show us the true meaning of resilience, determination and kindness. Their enthusiasm has motivated the members to keep showing up week after week.” – Jacob
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
International Community School (Singapore) – community projects that support Singapore and neighbouring Asian communities
Service is at the heart of the International Community School (ICS) experience. Service plays a pivotal role in nurturing OCS students into well-rounded, compassionate individuals. The school community has been serving the Singapore community and neighbouring Asian countries for three decades through service learning.
Starting from the early years, ICS students are instilled with the importance of recognising the needs of others and expressing appreciation through simple acts of kindness. As students progress to high school, they actively engage in larger community and international projects. They confront real-world challenges and leverage their time, talents and abilities for the greater good. Service learning becomes a tangible means for ICS students to make a meaningful difference, fostering a positive impact on the world around them.
A student shares…
“The service learning programme has challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and grow as an individual. It has taught me to seek out service intentionally and independently by pushing me to reach out to organisations. It has also helped me be accountable and responsible. Service learning has opened my eyes to the need for service in Singapore. It has gifted me with wonderful relationships and transformative experiences that will last a lifetime. Anyone, no matter how big or small, can make a difference anywhere.” – Zaara B., Grade 11
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg
Nexus International School (Singapore) – age-appropriate community projects
Service learning opportunities at Nexus International School (Singapore) are inclusive and cater to learners from Nursery through to Year 13. Activities are age-appropriate while maintaining a consistent commitment to community engagement. The school says that this emphasises the development of authentic relationships and a deep understanding of community needs, while considering what actions can be taken together to make a difference. Service learning opportunities are embedded into the curriculum. This gives all Nexus learners the chance to engage in a variety of activities both within the classroom and through numerous events, trips and CCAs.
One example involves Year 12 learners who came up with the Joy Box initiative. Recognising the need for basic hygiene items in the migrant worker community, they created and sold items like bracelets and red packets during the school’s Lunar New Year celebrations. The funds raised allowed them to purchase the essential items. The overwhelming support from the community allowed Joy Box to deliver care packages directly to the dormitory in Toa Payoh. This is a connection that the school aims to sustain and develop further.
Starting from Year 5, every school trip is designed to foster connections with communities. This enhances learners’ understanding of others’ needs while providing support. This approach expands on and impacts classroom learning while ensuring that the benefits of service learning extend beyond the field.
A word from Year 9 learners…
“We have been working on service learning through our Year 9 community project. Through research and investigation, we recognised that the elderly community in Singapore is growing. Some older people are struggling socially and economically, especially post-COVID. They may be alone at home and need help and support. After connecting with a charity, we planned fundraising and volunteering efforts to support the mental and physical wellbeing of the elderly community. Despite the challenges of age and language barriers, we’ve found ways to successfully make connections and build relationships with a community in need. We’re proud to have helped another community. Having service learning built into the curriculum has meant that we have time to fully understand, embrace and take ownership of the learning through the process.” – Zoe, Zarha and Inga
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
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