It’s not only about the academics at Australian International School; instead, they place emphasis on giving back to the community. Read on for heartwarming stories of how its students have contributed both locally and globally.
With values like respect, opportunity, and achievement deeply ingrained in its ethos, Australian International School (AIS) goes beyond academics to develop each student as a person. It regularly organises opportunities to allow students to work together and give back to the community, and we are impressed!
Here are some of our favourite events that really made (or are making!) a difference.
1. A six-year old student’s unique cycling fundraiser
Wait… six years old? You read that right. Indeed, giving back to the community starts at a young age here at AIS. AJ did what many of us adults would admittedly struggle with — and that was to cycle a staggering 128 kilometres around our sunny island. Kudos to her stamina!
Here’s the story: during a family holiday, AJ was inspired by a visit to the Angkor Kids Centre (AKC), saw how previous book donations from AIS were benefitting the children, and desired to do more. She thus came up with the unique fundraising idea of cycling the 128-kilometre loop within ten days, all whilst school was ongoing in the day.
Amazingly, she completed the ride in just eight days. She raised an impressive $6,132 in total (which is more than her initial target of $5,000), which will go towards repairing AKC’s roof, replacing the solar benefits, and supporting staffing needs.
2. A festive arts and crafts donation drive
Hands up if you love arts and crafts! The children at Child at Street 11 (a centre that provides preschool education for lower income families) do too, which gave the elementary students at AIS an idea for a donation drive.
They’ve come up with an arts and crafts ‘shopping list’ of sorts for each of the school’s four houses. This list contains items like paintbrushes, origami paper, Play-Doh, felt pens, whiteboards, and spirographs. Students are encouraged to pick an item that they’d like to purchase, wrap it with festive wrapping paper, and deposit it in their classroom’s collection box. All these presents will then be given to Child at Street 11.
3. Schools 4 Schools’ various charity events
The Schools 4 Schools (S4S) co-curricular activity is a Year 11 legacy project that has been making waves for 17 years, and we’re floored by the dedication to making a difference to the education of children in Nepal and India.
Throughout the year, the students band together to organise fundraising events like talent shows, movie nights, and bake sales. The students also keep their peers hydrated and refreshed at school events by selling drinks and icy bonbons. Together, they raise funds that go directly to the schools.
Each year, a group of Year 11 students ups the ante by venturing to Nepal for a range of service projects. These include teaching local students, painting classrooms, and building infrastructure. The students are welcomed with open arms by the local community, and participate in a treasured exchange of cultures. As a bonus, they’ll also have the chance to go hiking through the Solukhumbu Region.
4. A school-wide show of solidarity
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and losing your hair can be a constant reminder. Even more so if you have to do it alone. In recognition of this, AIS organises the annual Sharks Shave event, where students and teachers voluntarily shave their heads to raise awareness and funds for cancer.
This event remains close to the hearts of the AIS community, as unfortunately, many of us have lost a loved one to this devastating disease. It’s truly heartwarming to see how AIS’ teachers and students come together in solidarity. As an added bonus, the school raised over $6,000 in funds, which were donated to LOVE, NILS.
We are truly impressed with all that AIS has done over the years, and would love to see what else is in store. Hats off to the community at AIS!
This post is in partnership with Australian International School.
