Service Learning

Tanzania is an incredible place to learn to serve others. Students at IST have numerous opportunities to engage in service activities that benefits not only the local community but also the students themselves, as service work cultivates important life skills. Experiential learning and acquainting oneself with the local community opens our eyes to the community around us, allowing us to discover how we can each contribute.

"Citizens of the World'' : Service Learning

Embedded in the IST Core Values is a commitment to help students serve others. To that end, IST embraces both a Service Learning and a CAS Program to help students realize their potential to become accountable citizens and promote education for sustainable development and global citizenship.

Service Learning Philosophy

The Service Learning program strives to provide opportunities for the IST community to gain perspectives and take on leadership roles while empowering service partners to achieve their goals in sustainable, reciprocal relationships. This learning opportunities that connect to the IST curriculum to engage with global issues in a local context.

Implementation of Service Learning includes the following:

Authentic integration into the curriculum which is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals
Contextual and hands-on learning experiences
Meaningful service which is achieved through the 5 stages: Investigation, Planning, Action, Reflection and Demonstration
Choosing service partners who align with IST’s mission, safety and security measures and have sustainable goals
Professional development for teachers and student leaders

The Service Learning program at IST includes both internal and external service action possibilities that includes the immediate school community (students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff), as well as including community service partners from the wider Dar es Salaam area, Tanzania, East Africa and even the global community. It ensures that there are authentic clear benefits for all partners, that investment is proportional to return for students and their growth / learning, that the relationship is reciprocal and based on mutual respect and shared goals and has a diverse group of partnerships.

Some of our Key Service Learning Partners

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Members from grades 6-12

Through detailed research and determined campaigning, Amnesty International helps fight abuses of human rights worldwide. They bring torturers to justice. Change oppressive laws. And free people jailed just for voicing their opinion. As part of an Amnesty group, you will learn about human rights and be actively involved in international campaigns. Take action today and be part of a global movement standing together for human rights across the world.

ARTS IN ACTION

KARIBU SANA

Members from grade 9-12.

Advocacy work and creative fundraising for women’s empowerment in Gongo Village near Sadaani National Park to work towards protecting a wildlife corridor and give women alternatives to agriculture and charcoal livelihoods. Two large events per year In partnership with Saving Africa’s Nature (SANA) and organizing an ESP Service Trip related to this partner’s work.

FURAHA

ECOVENGERS

Participants from grades 6-12.

The Eco-vengers care about all things sustainable: from making the canteen waste-free, to making Tanzania green by planting trees and recycling to up-cycling. Join us if you care about making a difference for the sake of the planet starting with IST and expanding to greater communities near and far. Help spread awareness and be the change you want to see!

BUGURUNI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

Members from grades 9-12

This TAT seeks to connect with the Buguruni School for the Deaf, giving students at IST the opportunity to increase awareness of the Deaf experience in Tanzania, make connections with Deaf students, and learn about Deaf culture in Tanzania through personal connections. It also seeks to give students at Buguruni School for the Deaf the opportunity to make connections with students at IST through interaction both at IST and at Buguruni School for the Deaf.

Service Learning Expectations

Involvement in Service Learning is expected for all students in all grades at IST Secondary School over the course of the academic year.

Middle school

Units of learning in Grades 6-8 include many subjects that incorporate a form of Service Learning, with exposure to community service partners and all four types of service action - Direct, Indirect, Advocacy and Research. Middle School students can also participate in the Take Action Today (TAT) program that runs throughout the year and is led by student leaders from the High School.

High school

Students in Grades 9-12 will be able to choose a Take Action Today (TAT) service group to join for at least one semester each academic year. This program includes leadership training for students who are passionate about being global citizens and gives them tools to lead service projects effectively with the community service partners. Units of learning throughout the MYP and DP programs include many subjects that incorporate a form of Service Learning. Service actions undertaken for Personal Projects in Grade 10 or CAS Projects in Grades 11 & 12 are often linked to learning and student experiences with community service partners.

CREATIVITY, ACTION and SERVICE (CAS)

Students in Grades 11-12 must complete a CAS Portfolio demonstrating with evidence and through reflection how they have met seven key learning outcomes through their creative, active and service pursuits:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a service action experience
Show commitment and perseverance to carry out the action to completion
Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefit of working collaboratively
Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

A graduation requirement at IST is the successful completion of a CAS Portfolio that includes a CAS Project with a service component, showing the Service Learning skills they have developed in their educational journey at IST."

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