Service Learning at Dwight supports our pillars of Global Vision and Community — students around the globe are given the opportunity to give back to their communities through various projects, and better their world while focusing on large-scale global issues such as environmental sustainability, food insecurity, homelessness, and more. Service Learning is embedded in our IB Curriculum, in the form of CAS and SA; and Franklin School, though a non-IB school, has embraced service learning as a core part of its curriculum since its inception in 2022. In these pages, you can explore how our students make a difference.
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Dwight New York Students Develop a Commitment to Community Engagement
Dwight New York is committed to bringing the IB’s focus on service learning to life by making a difference in our local and global communities. Students engage in service learning through a variety of hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to real-world impact, fostering leadership, global awareness, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Service learning is deeply embedded in the IB curriculum, and occurs in a variety of additional ways at our School — including after-school clubs, organizations, and affinity groups; and through local and global outreach. Whilst we have longestablished partnerships with a range of local, domestic, and international organizations, we are always seeking new ways to connect students with the local community. This year we teamed up with Grassroots Grocery to take over one of their Saturday “Produce Parties.” Dwight students and their families worked together to pack over 12,000 pounds of fresh produce and deliver it to our neighbors in need.
Our younger students learn about the importance of helping others by participating in different class service projects, including packing lunches for the New York Common Pantry’s 365 Program, which provides meals to New Yorkers facing food insecurity; collecting coins to donate to a homeless shelter to help fulfill items on their wish list; participating in an Earth Day cleanup; and collecting socks and stuffed animals for migrant families coming to New York. Service learning for these students is age-appropriate, hands-on, and integrated into their everyday learning to foster empathy, responsibility, and a sense of community from an early age.
Teachers are crucial in facilitating service learning by guiding students in meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to meaningful change in the real world. Middle School Teacher Heidi Rubenstein has embedded Service as Action (SA) in the Grade 7 Personal and Social Development curriculum. This year the grade chose to focus on homelessness in NYC, with all classes focused on this theme. Ms. Rubenstein says, “Each session concludes with a reflection, ensuring students engage in authentic service through direct and indirect action, advocacy, and research while aligning with our Community Engagement Principles.”
Service learning at Dwight emphasizes self-reflection, helping students understand the importance of their work and develop a lifelong commitment to community engagement. In reflecting on her service project in Ms. Rubenstein’s class,
Grace ’30 says, “I really like being a part of something where I am working towards making a change. I think that is important.”
These service learning experiences empower Dwight students to become compassionate leaders who make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Our Youngest Students Send a Care Package All the Way to Kenya! Dwight’s Early Childhood Division’s recent service project was to help create and send a care package — including 250 toothbrushes and personalized cards created by our students — to the WISER School in Kenya. Dwight has partnered with WISER since 2009, and every other year, a small cohort of Dwight Upper School students travels to Muhuru Bay to visit the WISER School and engage in a variety of service projects and community-building activities. We are thrilled to see our younger students strengthening the relationship between our two schools and gaining an understanding of the service work undertaken by our older students.
Building a Lifelong Commitment to Service in London
One of the key benefits of the IB curriculum is its emphasis on service learning. By weaving community engagement into education, the IB framework helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world issues. This approach not only enriches their academic journey, but also builds responsibility and global citizenship. Taking action starts from the very beginning through initiatives like the Junior School’s Little Lions Angels. This after-school club allows students to volunteer in the Nursery, where they spend time playing with and supporting the younger children. Contributing to the well-being of the Nursery children helps them practice kindness and empathy. In the Senior School, service learning is integrated across the whole Middle Years Program, with each subject featuring community projects. For example:
• Mathematics: Designing infographics on food security
• Design: Creating innovative tools for people with disabilities to help with daily challenges
• Science: Raising awareness of the potential harm of electromagnetic radiation
In the Diploma Program, service learning continues through the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) program. This year, students have undertaken impactful projects such as collections for Food Bank Aid, a charity partner we hold regular food donation drives for, and starting a Japanese club for Junior School students. This promotes cultural exchange, allowing students to share their culture and language with younger peers.
On a larger scale, Service Day is our big celebration of what it truly means to be an IB school. This annual event brings the entire school community together for hands-on initiatives like environmental clean-ups and supporting residents in care homes.
We also recently ran a clothing donation drive, making a difference locally, globally, and environmentally. The donated clothes are sold at affordable prices in the UK and abroad, providing access to low-cost clothing while reducing fast fashion industry waste. The funds from these sales are then donated locally to Finchley Food Bank. Through service learning, students are equipped with critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and empathy. These experiences empower them to make a positive difference in their communities and inspire a lifelong commitment to service beyond the classroom.
MP Visits to Celebrate UK’s First All-Electric School Transport Solution
Local Member of the UK Parliament (MP) Catherine West recently visited our campus to celebrate the successful expansion of our allelectric school bus service, marking two years of commitment to sustainability. This milestone comes as we add two additional electric minibuses to our service, ensuring that all school bus routes are entirely net-zero emissions.
In the past two years, we have reduced CO2 emissions by 30 tonnes annually, equivalent to over 30 passenger flights between London and New York. The service has also eliminated the need for over 36,000 car journeys, alleviating congestion and reducing air pollution in the local area.
Empathy in Action: Seoul Students Make a Difference Through Service
Whether volunteering to play music for elderly patients, fundraising for orphaned children, or organizing book drives for young learners in Cambodia, our students actively seek ways to make a difference. From advocating for menstrual equity to teaching sports to disadvantaged youth, their efforts reflect a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Even small acts, like baking bread for the elderly or preparing care packages for children in Vietnam, demonstrate the power of service.
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to read more from Ronald, and learn more about our Week Without Walls service learning initiative in the latest edition of our magazine, The Spark
Here are a just few voices from our community talking about the importance and impact of service learning at Dwight Seoul:
Wilbert Kwakkel, Student Life Coordinator
“Service learning is not just about applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations — it is a powerful opportunity for Dwight students to learn from and with others in the community. Engaging with diverse individuals challenges our students to step beyond their usual circles, develop empathy, and collaborate in meaningful ways. Through these experiences, they strengthen their sense of belonging, embrace inclusion, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. Most importantly, service learning empowers students to listen, reflect, and take action toward justice and equity.”
Shawn Klug, MYP I&S, MYP Service Coordinator
“It’s inspiring to see our students take initiative and turn their compassion into action. From supporting local hospitals and orphanages to advocating for global literacy, they are making a real difference in their communities. Service learning isn’t just about volunteering — it’s about developing empathy, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.”
Ronald Ronseth, Grade 12 Student
On a recent service learning trip to Bali
“We were provided with the opportunity to live amongst the locals, collaborate with them, and share moments of joy. One such moment was a soccer match organized with the local team at their court. We walked to the court through the neighborhoods and truly immersed ourselves into their lives. This is where I believe the importance of empathy truly shone through, in the moments where we walked in the shoes of the local kids and lived in their world. Though we could not speak their language, nor understood one another, we had a great time playing barefoot with them. Soccer became a medium that built a bridge between their culture and ours, and we built up a form of empathy that goes beyond the mind but reaches the heart.”
Service learning experiences not only enhance the lives of others, but also inspire our students to become lifelong changemakers, dedicated to serving and learning from the communities around them.
QD Students Achieve Unity of Knowledge and Action
From January 11 to 16, 2025, Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School organized a winter program for our grade 10 students. Led by our faculty, students embarked on field trips to seven distinct locations: Jiangxi, Xiangxi, Nanjing, Guizhou, Wenzhou, Henan, and Chengdu, to explore the local lifestyles and historical cultural heritage.
As a CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) practice initiative established by QD, the winter series of activities aims to provide QD students with opportunities to engage with the real world. This fosters the development of individual project research skills and interdisciplinary learning capabilities — and sparks interest in local history and culture.
Art Teacher Ding Tian’er, who led the Jiangxi trip, said, “Discovering art in daily life is an excellent teaching method. This trip to Jiangxi allowed students to personally experience the artistic knowledge taught in the classroom, such as tie-dye techniques, which can better ignite their spark of genius.”
The program guides students to pay attention to broader communities, while also promoting teamwork and friendship. More valuable still, each route is planned by subject group teachers, integrating field exploration within academic disciplines, which helps students combine multidimensional practice with theoretical knowledge, achieving the unity of knowledge and action.
During the event, the school’s official Xiaohongshu (“Little Red Book,” a social media app similar to TikTok) account also provided real-time coverage, amassing nearly 3,000 engagements in total.
First Semester, Gone in a Rush!
Gwen ’27 wrote on Xiaohongshu, “We personally excavated ancient porcelain shards from the Southern Song Dynasty, and also learned to fire ceramic bottles from folk artisans in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi. It was truly a rewarding experience. On the journey, it was really easy to discover the endearing qualities of my fellow students, which allowed me to make a few new friends.”
This CAS initiative deepened their understanding of global issues, honed interdisciplinary skills, and nurtured a sense of community. The trip was a testament to the power of experiential learning, equipping students with invaluable insights and a stronger connection to the world around them.
On January 17, as we bid farewell to the first semester of the 2024-25 academic year, QD hosted the exhilarating “QD RUSH” event on campus for all faculty and staff. The event was structured into four vibrant groups, each representing a distinct theme: Academic Season, Arts Season, Sports Season, and World Classroom. Students from the Student Union challenged our teachers with tasks designed to test their teamwork and collective intelligence. To top it off, awards were set for each team, adding a competitive yet fun element. The thoughtfully crafted activities and the diversity of content ensured that our educators enjoyed a delightful day, marking a perfect end to the semester.
Dwight School Dubai Takes Action for a Sustainable Future at Al Qudra Lakes
On Monday, November 4, Dwight School Dubai students from grades 6 to 8 embarked on an inspiring environmental cleanup trip to Al Qudra Lakes, marking their participation in CNN’s Call to Earth Day. This global initiative unites schools, individuals, and organizations worldwide in a shared mission to improve the planet through meaningful action.
In collaboration with Eedama, an organization that promotes sustainable development, the trip provided students with an enriching experience that deepened their appreciation for nature while fostering a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment. As part of Dwight’s commitment to Service as Action (SA), the Al Qudra initiative encouraged students to engage in hands-on conservation efforts, supporting the successful integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their learning.
The day commenced with a warm welcome and an introduction from a waste management expert, who shared valuable insights on sustainability. A fun and engaging icebreaker activity set the tone, energizing students for the day’s impactful work.
Armed with gloves and eco-friendly trash bags, students then took part in a large-scale cleanup effort, collecting and removing litter to restore the natural beauty of Al Qudra Lakes. Following the cleanup, they sorted and weighed the waste, gaining firsthand knowledge of proper waste management and recycling practices. Witnessing the tangible impact of their efforts reinforced the importance of individual and collective action in environmental conservation.
The trip concluded with a closing ceremony, where students reflected on their contributions, celebrated their hard work, and committed to future sustainability initiatives.
Aaliya ’29 reflected on the day, saying, “Together our individual actions will combine to make a huge impact and take control of this life-threatening issue.”
Back at school, each student penned a heartfelt letter to their future self, capturing their love for the environment and their pledge to continue protecting the extraordinary planet they call home.
More reflections from the day can be found by clicking the image below.
Dwight School Hanoi: Empowering Students Through Service Learning
At Dwight School Hanoi, service learning is central to how students contribute to their community, address global challenges, and grow as individuals. In just the first six months of our new school, students have embraced opportunities to lead, engage, and make meaningful impact.
Responding to Challenges
When Vietnam faced its worst typhoon in decades, students organized timely initiatives like the Winter Wonderland Talent Show and Art Auction, raising funds for organizations such as the Free-Funding Corporation (FFC) to support disaster victims in rural areas. Early Childhood Division students also created artwork for reusable shopping bags, with proceeds going to the Dwight Disaster Fund, established to provide aid in any emergency situation. Chi ’28 said, “Change always starts with us kids; we are the future of tomorrow.”
Fostering Cultural Understanding
Our students partnered with THINK Global School to share insights into Vietnamese culture, focusing on Tét. They explored traditions, history, and the environmental impact of burning paper offerings to honor ancestors. Uyen ’28 shared, “I feel proud to wear my áo dài and discuss our culture, because we have so many traditions, but I also recognize the environmental impact of some practices, and it’s important to share this.”
Connecting with the Greater Community
The Student Ambassador Program enables students in grades 6-10 to lead campus tours, mentor peers, and support school events like basketball tournaments. As Tue Anh ’28 shared, “The ambassadors program helps us practice being role models to take into the wider community.”
Audio Advocacy
Grade 9 students tackled critical issues through a podcast unit on Advocacy, focusing on Vietnam’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as education inequities and air quality. Their projects raised awareness, sparked community conversations, and enhanced their advocacy and communication skills. These are just a few of the many ways students are already engaging with service learning at our budding School. We’re so excited to see where their learning takes them next.
Manchester City Football School
As Vietnam’s only Manchester City Football School, we are proud to offer a program that develops not only technical skills but also teamwork and sportsmanship. Grounded in Manchester City’s football philosophy, it combines quality coaching with a holistic approach to player development. This program benefits our students and extends beyond our school, as we open our doors wide to Hanoi residents several weekends each year, providing all members of the community with the opportunity to experience training in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Franklin School Gives Back to Its Community
Since its inception in 2022, service has been a core value of Franklin School. Our emphasis on service, oftentimes fueled by curriculum, ensures that students have opportunities to work towards bettering their community. A few recent student-run projects of note include a clothing drive, a daily necessity drive, and a food drive created by our Student Council to benefit Triangle Park Community Center.
Recent Service Days arranged by the school benefitted two local organizations. Grade 9 made a visit to Community FoodBank of New Jersey, where they helped pack nonperishable food for families in need. After learning about the 50-year history of the organization, they got to work bagging pasta to be distributed throughout New Jersey. After only two hours, they were able to bag 1,571 bags. Grade 10 went to the Community FoodBank the following day, packing an impressive 2,034 bags of pasta. Grades 11 and 12 went to God’s Love we Deliver in SoHo, an organization serving ill people in need and their children and caregivers.
Director of Curriculum Chris Barnes said, “Ninth graders have been learning about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly ‘Ending World Hunger.’ With these lessons ringing in their ears, they threw themselves into every task at the FoodBank. I have never seen them work so hard and so willingly. Many are now motivated to continue this journey on their weekends, afternoons, and even through their Capstone Projects.”
One heartwarming story of where the service journey continues comes from the day before Thanksgiving Break, a traditional time for families to gather and give thanks, when we had our third annual Franklin Feast. Families brought dishes and drinks from their culture for all to share. It was an incredible afternoon, with lots of leftovers. Two juniors suggested we bring the leftovers to Hoboken Food Shelter, and within an hour, the food was dropped off.
We are so proud of the effort and achievements of our students within the community, making a positive impact on our neighbors.
Franklin’s Public Speaking Program Showcased on New York City’s PIX11
Recently, Franklin student Mina ’26 was interviewed on New York City’s PIX11 alongside GK Training CEO Michael Chad Hoeppner for a feature on “Helping Students Communicate Better.” Mina spoke eloquently about her time working with GK Training at Franklin, showing poise and confidence. Franklin students engage in a four-year communication development program delivered by GK Training. Students focus on speaking, presenting, and all forms of oral communication through this program. GK Training’s clients include Presidential candidates, top global financial firms, major professional sports leagues, and more industry leaders.
Click the image above to see the video of Mina in action!
Dwight Global Community Comes Together For Hunger Relief During STEAM Weekend
More than 90 Dwight Global students and 15 teachers traveled to Dwight School New York’s campus for STEAM Weekend, January 31-February 2. This exciting, annual in-person event is filled with classes, NYC tours, and camaraderie.
This year, four large teams of students, led by faculty, competed in the Canstruction Junior challenge. An international hunger relief charity, Canstruction invites students to design and build large-scale structures entirely out of canned goods, honing and showcasing their mathematics, art, design, engineering, physics, and technology skills.
Each team competed to recreate a “DG” in red, white, and blue, using 324 cans. Each Canstruction team had 150 minutes to plan, design, and create their project.
“The secret to a great canstruction is how you cantilever and otherwise defy gravity in the design,” said Dwight NY’s Design teacher Rob Gilson, who facilitated the event. “By removing a support can from their build, students have to engineer a different way for the design to remain standing.”
Michael Beecham, Grade 12 Dean and Lead Dean, ran the activities with Mathematics teachers Ryan Markatos and Laura Thul.
“All teams collaborated to overcome and use challenges they faced throughout their build,” said Thul. “Group B, consisting of mainly eighth and ninth graders, earned the highest score.”
Ahead of the event, Dwight Global ran a fundraising drive to purchase the food cans, and students submitted their individual designs using Tinkercad, a free, online 3D design tool.
After the STEAM weekend, students packed and donated more than 1,300 cans of food to NY Common Pantry, said Thul.
“We are deeply moved by the generosity of our community,” said Liz Hutton, Head of Academics and Student Affairs, who worked on the event with Dean of Student Life Paul Roncone. “While spending our weekend exploring food science and the wonders of New York City, we also took time to reflect on the realities of food insecurity and hunger faced by so many New Yorkers. Our students embraced this service opportunity, demonstrating their empathy and commitment to making a difference.”
Voices in Action Week
Students participated in Voices in Action from January 20 to 24, with five days of engagement inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and centered on the power of storytelling. Students studied Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Langston Hughes’s “I look at the world” poem, and John Legend’s Glory lyrics. A special Spark Talk with JGo, co-founder of Written Out Loud — a program devoted to publishing student work — took place Thursday. On Friday, students wrote about how they can use their skills to drive social change. The week was planned by DEI Coordinator Dustin Purdy and Dean of Student Life Paul Roncone.
