Compassion and selflessness are virtues we hope our kids develop as they grow older. You’ll be glad to know that many international schools in Singapore offer service learning opportunities and community work projects where these values are taught, practised and ingrained. From working with local NGOs to teaching children in Cambodia, we hear from students about the meaningful projects they’ve been involved with.
International Community School
Participating in service learning is a central element of the ICS student experience – it allows students to learn the value of serving others, hone leadership skills and build cross-cultural friendships. They’re able to experience and witness the many ways service can contribute to positive change in the world. Students have the chance to serve in different ways through volunteer work, charitable fundraising and awareness campaigns. And the mandatory high school Week Without Walls programme allows students to spend a week serving others around Southeast Asia.
A student’s thoughts
“Last year, I was with Team Manila for Week Without Walls. We worked with Kids International Ministries (KIM) and helped to build a high school. We also gave out food in the community and spent a lot of time with the kids. It was a very memorable experience because we got to connect with different people and build new relationships. Working with KIM gave us the opportunity to make a difference in kids’ lives, which I’m grateful for.”
– Denise M, Grade 10
27A Jubilee Road
6776 7435 | ics.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School
From Nursery through to Sixth Form, Tanglin Trust School embeds service into students’ experience. In every student’s journey in the school, there are opportunities for meaningful engagement with the local community and the world beyond.
A student’s thoughts
“Through our Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme, I led the Helping Hand project for over a year. This school-based initiative provides migrant workers with the support and resources they need to pursue their hobbies. We organised fundraising events, including a successful book drive, and we worked with the wider Tanglin community to promote the initiative. I learnt to balance my studies with the project, splitting workload with teammates, regularly communicating progress and managing deadlines. The project enhanced my perception of the employer-employee relationship. After talking to the workers, I discovered that the relationship is one of care and trust. This was extremely moving for me. It made me question my assumptions and realise the importance of gaining alternative perspectives.”
– Kae-Rene, Year 13
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Singapore American School
At the Singapore American School, there are many opportunities for service for students, from kindergarten through to Grade 12, both at school and in the community. Scores of student-led initiatives have flourished over the years and new ones are constantly evolving in response to local and global needs. Students are empowered to make a difference in their communities and develop a commitment to be a responsible global citizen from a young age.
A student’s thoughts
“As an Executive Service Council member, I’m constantly impressed with the courage and passion that our club leaders have as they garner school-wide support for their causes and encourage meaningful service for communities worldwide. Every January, we host the Global Village to showcase the amazing work of our service leaders. We set up booths for 60 service groups that are part of SAS and local NGOs. Working with the Global Issues Network, I’ve participated in a range of activities, from creating weekly podcasts and selling metal straws to organising conference trips to Korea and Luxembourg. At SAS, we have a strong platform to raise awareness in the community and promote our initiatives.”
– Grant Schooling, Grade 12
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Community action at Dulwich College (Singapore) is embedded into the school curriculum. The school aims to nurture a proactive community of compassionate individuals who take responsibility for the impact their actions have on the world. This year, the College has a theme of “Be The Change”. It encourages students to value the small differences they can make in their own lives, from daily pledges in DUCKS to community-based topics in Junior School and building on longstanding relationships with communities in Singapore and internationally. The College sees community action as a way of life in which students can learn about and make connections with the world.
A student’s thoughts
“I recently attended a community service trip to our sister school in Cambodia, and it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Upon arriving at the school, the students lined up and applauded us as we entered. However, by the end of our short stay, I felt it was us who should be thanking them for giving us a wonderful experience and teaching us so much. The children at Ngang Som Toch have so much resilience, innovation and kindness, and left me with a lasting impression of their constant optimism and their ‘carpe diem’ attitude.”
– Maia Marwa, Year 12
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
UWC South East Asia
Service learning at UWCSEA is all about helping students to develop empathy and recognition of the responsibility we have to each other and the planet. The transformative nature of the experience of serving others is fundamental to the school’s goal of educating individuals to embrace challenges and take responsibility for shaping a better world. Every student participates in service in age-appropriate ways, regardless of campus, grade or age. All service learning opportunities are designed to help them recognise their ability to enact positive change. Students are encouraged to take informed and purposeful action, and be changemakers that contribute to the sustainable development of local and global communities.
A student’s thoughts
“This year, I’m chairing a service called Generation Education Period. It’s a passion project of mine and I’ve been part of it since Grade 7. My team is creating a programme for high school girls in Nepal to receive menstrual health education and menstrual products so that they don’t miss school. The student-led Service Executive Committee, which I also chair, coordinates the activities of the 72 volunteer services at the school. This has given me opportunities to develop leadership, collaborative and organisational skills, as well improve my public speaking. In my first week of school, I was given the opportunity to present our plans for this service this year in a speech to over 1,000 students and teachers. Through helping others, I feel that I have gained far more than I have given.”
– Brooke Cohen, Grade 11 (East Campus)
East Campus, 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5344
Dover Campus, 1207 Dover Road | 6775 5344
uwcsea.edu.sg | admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg
Stamford American International School
At Stamford American, all students take part in service learning projects alongside co-curricular activities. Last year, student-initiated club Global Service Initiative (GSI) organised the Bintan Service Trip where they installed UNICEF-approved water gardens that helped the local village sterilise wastewater and minimise communicable diseases. The club’s strong affiliation with microfinance non-profit organisation KIVA allows students to segment an allocated amount of funds into various international projects. This year, they also hosted the first World’s Big Sleepout on campus to raise funds and awareness for homelessness.
A student’s thoughts
“As President and Founder of GSI, my team and I ensure that GSI is a place for students to express project ideas that are of interest. The club began when we organised the Bintan Service Trip. There were challenges due to the magnitude of the project and minimal supervision such as organising finance, logistics and communication with our partner. The concept of taking initiative is central to all we do in GSI as we want to promote a good work ethic and culture in Stamford, reducing the fear of failure and providing students with a platform to turn ideas into reality.”
– Mikhail, Grade 12
1 Woodleigh Lane
6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg
St. Joseph’s Institution International
St. Joseph’s Institution International aims to create opportunities for students to bring learning outside of the classroom. Students take part in service learning projects both in and outside of Singapore. Community partnerships range from animal welfare shelters and homes for the elderly to inclusive schools for disadvantaged children and organisations committed to conservation and sustainable living.
A student’s thoughts
“I took part in the school’s trip to Baan Dada Children’s Home in Thailand in 2019. The experience gave me a first-hand insight into the healthcare situation in rural Thailand. We learnt about and administered optometric care to rural villages near Sangkhlaburi. I learnt about the various problems that the elderly in agricultural occupations encounter and had meaningful conversations. The connections forged through this experience transcended cultural, language and age barriers and allowed me to achieve a sense of satisfaction and purpose. While interacting with the children at our host organisation, my heart was warmed by their hospitality and enthusiasm! The exposure to a different value system and way of living has strengthened my drive to bridge socio-cultural barriers and strive for positive change.”
– Dhruti Bhatta, Grade 12
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Read more about living in Singapore:
International schools in Singapore: HUGE GUIDE
The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore
