Service learning at ISY is more than just after-school activities—it is authentic, real-world education in action. Nick Sturmey, Service Learning Coordinator, reflects on how these projects deepen student learning, foster compassion, and prepare students to become positive changemakers in the world.

The Service Learning Blog team at ISY has wrapped up a successful year of storytelling, publishing 22 articles and conducting interviews that highlight the spirit of service and community. Through teamwork, creativity, and compassion, the correspondents captured the essence of service learning in action.

Chinthe Connections, a new student-led service group, launched the Gratitude Wall to promote mental wellness and reflection. By sharing kind words and expressions of thanks, students created a powerful space for connection, calm, and community during the busy exam season.

Build For Change and Community Sports teamed up to support Kalitaw School by designing and building sturdy soccer goals. Through creativity, collaboration, and trial and error, ISY students turned a simple idea into a meaningful project rooted in service and STEM learning.

Being a High School STUCO officer is about more than just organizing events—it is about teamwork, communication, and representing student voices. Ei Kalayar Thein (Grade 9) shares how collaboration and leadership make the STUCO experience both rewarding and manageable.

ISY’s Trashion Show turned trash into art as students from grades 6 to 12 created stunning outfits using only recycled materials to celebrate Earth Day. From sea creature gowns made of plastic bags to glittery circus-themed designs, the event combined creativity with a powerful environmental message.

Discover the inspiring journey of Chinthe Fund Elementary Group students as they connect with Kalitaw School. From sharing meals and creating a documentary to bonding over games, this partnership highlights hope, friendship, and the power of education.

The bright smiles around campus were unmistakable! Thanks to Evergreen Dental Care’s generous support, 52 children from ISY’s Chinthe Fund partners, Kalitaw school and the Care to the Least Center (CLC), enjoyed free dental treatment and a joyful day at ISY.

March 8th. A day to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women all around the world. International Women’s Day is a reminder of the progress made on the journey for equality. For this year’s International Women’s Day, ISY service learning group Hnin Si, took the lead by organizing impactful events.

Friday lunchtimes are when crowds of students huddle around the popcorn machine, waiting for bags of fresh and irresistible popcorn. With every munch and crunch, delicious flavors including sweet, salt, chocolate and cheese burst into your mouth – an absolute flavor sensation! Not to mention that a donation to the Chinthe Fund is made with every pop!

The Green Initiative service learning group initiated a new project called EcoLab, which aimed to make our campus greener and reduce waste. EcoLab is taking bold steps towards sustainability, starting with our upcoming project to explore introducing biodegradable plastic bags.

The Myanmar Children Healthcare Project (MCHP) reached another milestone on their journey to making a difference in healthcare, starting with Tha Thana Gone Yi Monastery School. The goal of MCHP is to provide vaccinations and health education to partner organizations and increase awareness about the importance of vaccinations in preventing disease.

The Hnin Si team had an insightful experience at the Kyaik Ke Le Nunnery, where we held a pad donation drive and menstrual education session with over 100 nuns. Hnin Si is a service learning group that aims to tackle period poverty and advocate for menstrual education in the local community.

We are proud to introduce a service learning group led by a team of passionate students coming together to support the patients at the hospital for children. The ISY students do not provide medical aid. Rather, they aim to bring joy and comfort to children facing long and difficult hospital stays.

The Reading Matters Book Club is a service learning group we can all learn from. This group ticks all the boxes for service learning.

On Saturday, 22nd February, the ISY community will come together at the annual Family Sports Day (9.00-11.00 am). This is a fundraising event for the Chinthe Fund. We will set up a variety of sporting activities for children (and adults) to enjoy.

Today, we are excited to shine a light on the Community Kitchen (CK). This incredible service learning group has been making a difference by spreading warmth and kindness through food.

Last week, ISY was fortunate to host Mr. d’Arcy Lunn as our visiting expert. With over 20 years of experience of leading workshops in more than 90 countries, he was the best person to answer our burning questions about service learning. Mr. d’Arcy worked with elementary and secondary students, inspiring them to make “a teaspoon of change.”

Children from our Chinthe Fund partners, the Care to the Least Center (CLC) and the Kalitaw school, came to ISY for their regular clinic appointment. This visit from CLC and Kalitaw showed us that little actions can lead to great results. Here, we focused on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

We are thrilled to spotlight Art Echo and Build For Change! These new service learning groups focus on using their creativity to improve our community.

Last weekend’s Family Fun Fair was a roaring success, bringing the ISY community together for an afternoon of excitement, connection and purpose.