Service Learning
Service Learning refers to learning that engages students in a range of experiences benefiting others and the community while advancing the school’s vision, mission, and values.
AISD’s vision is “to prepare students to become stewards of a just and sustainable world.” In order to meet our mission of creating students that contribute to a changing global society, AISD incorporates Service Learning into all divisions. Service Learning helps to develop international citizens, who are able to contribute to issues related to local and global communities through intercultural awareness and understanding.
Students choose a Service Learning project pre-established by AISD that benefits the local Bangladeshi community. Students take the lead in planning, action and reflection related to that project. This includes off-site and on-site directly-related service work during the school day and participation in group discussions facilitated by guest speakers and experts in the field.
It is our belief that we share a responsibility for helping to make the world a better place for everyone.
Participation in Service Learning Program enables students to:
- develop a sense of empathy as they participate in hands-on service activities
- learn about their world
- work closely with teachers, advisors, and peers to develop and implement the service learning projects
- value diversity and develop intercultural communication skills
- develop project goals based upon identified needs
- problem-solve and work cooperatively to achieve goals
- reflect upon the results and/or achievements of projects
- begin to develop a life-long sense of commitment to their community
Service Learning in the Elementary School
In the ES Division, action is an important aspect to the curriculum, and may take many forms including service learning. We have a strong focus on STUDENT-LED action within the curriculum, and guide students toward taking action.
Learn More
Service Learning in the Secondary School
In the ES Division, action is an important aspect to the curriculum, and may take many forms including service learning. We have a strong focus on STUDENT-LED action within the curriculum, and guide students toward taking action.
Learn More
Secondary Service Learning Groups 2024-25
High School
- Acid Survivors Foundation - HS
- Basha - HS
- BMCA - HS
- Bloom - HS
- Dharmarajika High School - HS
- Healthcare Heroes - HS
- Maer Achol: Street Children's Partners Bangladesh - HS
- Shattering Stigma - HS
- Sustainability Council - HS
- Deshi Ballers - MS & HS
- We Speak - MS & HS
- Abinta Kabir Foundation School - MS & HS
- Piet Van School - MS & HS
Acid Survivors Foundation - HS
Coaches:
Maherukh Mustafiz
Angela Dundas
The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) in Bangladesh offers vital medical and psychological support to those affected by acid violence, most of whom are women, though men and children are also among the survivors. Our SL group’s mission goes beyond fundraising; we aim to connect with these survivors, helping them feel valued while teaching our students about resilience, mental strength, and the fight against injustice.
Through visits to the ASF clinic and hosting survivors at our school, we build meaningful relationships. Students engage in activities like games, jewelry-making, painting, and outings to movies or plays, creating moments of joy and connection.
By working closely with the survivors, we strive to offer companionship and learn to be more empathetic and compassionate. Additionally, our efforts include raising awareness about acid violence within and beyond our school community.
Basha - HS
Coaches:
Diane Candella
Joan Kimani
Basha’s vision focuses on the lives of the women they work with. Each woman’s story varies, but her circumstances have put her at high risk of harm or resulted in her exploitation and abuse. They work with their children too, ensuring the cycle of poverty and victimization is broken.
Our service learning group at AISD is dedicated to the Basha daycare center. Our students are committed to raising funds to provide essential school and art supplies, and we're willing to organize sports and fun days on our campus for their children on a regular basis. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a positive and enriching environment for the children in our local community.
BMCA - HS
Coaches:
John Fry
Mike Wilkens
Mission Statement:
To create a safer and healthier school and community environment by reducing the mosquito population and promoting awareness about mosquito-borne diseases.
We will achieve this through:
Community Education: Spreading awareness about mosquito-borne diseases and prevention methods through morning bulletins and tiger tributes. Innovative Solutions: Investigating and implementing effective mosquito control measures, such as purchasing blue light mosquito traps.
Practical Applications: Addressing mosquito issues in outdoor after-school activities and exploring ways to weatherproof doors and windows.
Bloom - HS
Coaches:
Glen Blair
Maggie Kessel
This group aims to build relationships with verbal and non-verbal autistic children at the School for Autism called SAND. We will use Art as Therapy, Movement and possibly swimming to help with the cognitive and sensory development of the school children at SAND.
Build relationship with SAND
Visit AISD Sensory Playground
Art Therapy at SAND
Hydrotherapy at AISD
Dharmarajika High School - HS
Coaches:
Tony McLean
Kerry Bidder
The Dharmarajika Monastery established the Dharmarajika School, a community-oriented program initiated to address the needs of the country as well as the surrounding area. In an effort to provide support to displaced boys living on the street with nowhere to go, the Monastery opened its doors, offering food, shelter, and education to these victims of poverty and neglect. The orphanage was founded nearly 50 years ago and celebrated its anniversary in February 2023. Some female day-students now attend the school.
Dharmarajika School is eager for students from AISD to teach English lessons to its students. Additionally, they hope to organize a sports-related exchange between students from Dharmarajika and AISD early in the new year. Various fundraising events will be organized to raise money for school supplies such as geometry kits for math classes, as well as items like new mattresses, blankets, beds, and mosquito nets for the dormitories to replace those that are no longer adequate. AISD already supports Dharmarajika by funding its internet costs each year.
Healthcare Heroes - HS
Coaches:
Megan Magee
Katie Van Zant
Mission Statement: “To enhance community health by addressing ongoing and immediate physical healthcare needs through strategic local partnerships and impactful content creation, aligning with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal.”
The Healthcare Heroes service learning group originally started as an extension of the Global Issues Network (GIN) ASA group. We NOW aim to help those in Bangladesh who may not have access to healthcare information or the local healthcare system . We have done plentiful research on the internet, interviewed health practitioners, and consulted the Health Advisor at the British High Commission about the healthcare system—we wanted to find what we as high schoolers could do to make an impact. Our past projects include running AISD’s blood drive, inviting practitioners to come in and run First Aid and CPR training sessions for students, creating a brochure on period health (written in Bangla) then mass distributing them through our partner organization, the Bangladesh Women's Health Coalition (BWHC), as well as raising money through various fundraisers to purchase winter care packages (blankets, mosquito nets) for tea garden workers in Sylhet.
Maer Achol: Street Children's Partners Bangladesh - HS
Coaches:
Angelo Trainor
Brian Hunt
Dhaka Street Children is dedicated to improving the living conditions for the children of Bangladesh via Maer Achol – which serves as both a home for destitute children and a school for kids in the slums surrounding it.
We strive to create a system where, by enriching the lives of the unfortunate, we can break the poverty cycle. We hold fundraisers in order to give the students of Maer Achol a pleasant experience of the outside world to improve their lives. For example, we have taken the children to the zoo and also invited them to AISD for playdays. We try to make as many visits to the Maer Achol campus as we can within a school year to educate and entertain the children, who are talented and energetic.
Shattering Stigma - HS
Coaches:
Francis Maginn
Kaitlyn Leach
WHO: A group of motivated students from AISD.
WHAT: Providing Menstrual Products and services to People who Menstruate.
WHEN: During the time leading to winter break (for the local community in AISD), and the rest of the year (for other schools and dhaka as a whole)
WHERE: At AISD and hopefully the wider Dhaka community
WHY: To reduce the stigma around menstruation and ensure that all individuals have equal access to menstrual products
Our mission is to reduce the stigma around menstruation and ensure that everyone has equal access to menstrual resources in our community and beyond. We will provide our school with menstrual products to increase accessibility to these products and to prepare menstruators for whatever challenges they may face. We also aim to educate youth about menstrual hygiene and safety. Our end goal is to help people feel comfortable with and knowledgeable about menstruation.
Sustainability Council - HS
Coaches:
Alvaro Door
Dina Tucker
The Sustainability Council works on the AISD campus and beyond to support sustainability initiatives. We will continue to provide paper recycling and the green mugs in North End. We also helped to organize Earth Day last year and are hoping to build out an even better event this year. This year we are also expanding our program to beautification projects on campus and around Dhaka, including gardening and beautification projects in Baridhara Park. We will also host events and be present to educate the wider community about sustainability, such as the PTA International Fair, Halloween Carnival, and Winter Bazaar.
Deshi Ballers - MS & HS
Coaches:
Ed Banks
Joshua Jones
Deshi Ballers is an organization that seeks to build community and empower women through basketball. Deshi Ballers holds regular training sessions and tournaments that allow girls and women to have access to sporting opportunities. The high school service learning group has actively promoted the book, Pass it to Rizwana, written by Coach Crystal. All proceeds from this book will go towards Deshi Ballers. The group is also looking into how we may support Deshi Ballers with equipment to carry out the regular work that they strive to accomplish.
We Speak - MS & HS
Coaches:
Jennifer De la Montana
Amanda Lopez
WeSpeak
We aim to improve mental health in our community by normalizing conversations, providing strategies, and advocating for mental health support.
Through our Podcast, we encourage open discussions on mental health and share self-help resources.
Our Direct Service branch promotes mental well-being through support groups, awareness activities, and advocacy for accessible mental health resources. Together, we strive to make mental health a priority for everyone.
Abinta Kabir Foundation School - MS & HS
MS Coaches:
Cyndi Tilley
David Hoopes
HS Coaches:
David Brooker
Michelle Dumais
Since its establishment on July 5th, 2017, the Abinta Kabir School, a project of the Abinta Kabir Foundation, has steadily grown, adding a new grade level each year. Now, as it celebrates eight years of service to the community, the school remains committed to its mission of providing quality education in Vatara, Dhaka. The school follows Bangladesh’s national curriculum with a strong emphasis on English, Mathematics, and Technology.
In collaboration with the American International School of Dhaka (AISD), the Abinta Kabir School receives additional support in achieving its educational goals. AISD students actively participate in supporting the school’s mission, raising funds and engaging in meaningful interactions with their peers. Last year, AISD students raised enough money to sponsor two girls from the Abinta Kabir School, further strengthening the bond between the two institutions.
In addition to sponsoring students, AISD hosted the girls on their campus, where they participated in a range of enriching activities such as science experiments, technology workshops, and fun games. The two schools also shared meals together and enjoyed theatrical performances, creating lasting connections and enhancing the educational experience for all involved.
The Abinta Kabir School continues to prioritize student-centered teaching methodologies, encouraging interactive and participatory learning. It also emphasizes English as a communication medium to equip students for future success. Beyond academics, the school nurtures the holistic development of its students through extracurricular activities such as sports days, art fairs, and inter-school competitions, helping students build confidence, leadership skills, and well-rounded character.
The connections between AISD and the Abinta Kabir School ensure that all of our students not only excel academically but also grow socially and emotionally through meaningful relationships and experiences.
Piet Van School - MS & HS
MS Coaches:
Natasha Hut
David Nicol
HS Coaches:
Joffrey Candella
Jason Spivey
The Piet Van service learning group is dedicated to the Piet Van School, which is a small school for unprivileged children in Dhaka started by the principal Ms. Mohini. There are 115 students, and our group’s purpose is to enrich the experience of those students. With the load that they carry especially from working outside of school, we hope to make a lasting impact toward their learning experience and even general well being. Together, the students at AISD raise fundraisers, conduct interviews, and visit their campus to ensure that it is their needs that we are addressing, not what we believe to be. Hopefully by the end of this year, we would have enough opportunities to interact with the students and finish the murals we are currently planning. Other things we are looking forward to doing are to replace their water filters as well as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs to conserve energy.
Middle School
- Deshi Ballers - MS & HS
- We Speak - MS & HS
- Abinta Kabir Foundation School - MS & HS
- Piet Van School - MS & HS
- SITH (Strays In The Hood) - MS
- Choice to Change (C2C) - MS
- Reading Buddies - MS
- Environment Focus Group - MS
Deshi Ballers - MS & HS
Coaches:
Ed Banks
Joshua Jones
Deshi Ballers is an organization that seeks to build community and empower women through basketball. Deshi Ballers holds regular training sessions and tournaments that allow girls and women to have access to sporting opportunities. The high school service learning group has actively promoted the book, Pass it to Rizwana, written by Coach Crystal. All proceeds from this book will go towards Deshi Ballers. The group is also looking into how we may support Deshi Ballers with equipment to carry out the regular work that they strive to accomplish.
We Speak - MS & HS
Coaches:
Jennifer De la Montana
Amanda Lopez
WeSpeak
We aim to improve mental health in our community by normalizing conversations, providing strategies, and advocating for mental health support.
Through our Podcast, we encourage open discussions on mental health and share self-help resources.
Our Direct Service branch promotes mental well-being through support groups, awareness activities, and advocacy for accessible mental health resources. Together, we strive to make mental health a priority for everyone.
Abinta Kabir Foundation School - MS & HS
MS Coaches:
Cyndi Tilley
David Hoopes
HS Coaches:
David Brooker
Michelle Dumais
Since its establishment on July 5th, 2017, the Abinta Kabir School, a project of the Abinta Kabir Foundation, has steadily grown, adding a new grade level each year. Now, as it celebrates eight years of service to the community, the school remains committed to its mission of providing quality education in Vatara, Dhaka. The school follows Bangladesh’s national curriculum with a strong emphasis on English, Mathematics, and Technology.
In collaboration with the American International School of Dhaka (AISD), the Abinta Kabir School receives additional support in achieving its educational goals. AISD students actively participate in supporting the school’s mission, raising funds and engaging in meaningful interactions with their peers. Last year, AISD students raised enough money to sponsor two girls from the Abinta Kabir School, further strengthening the bond between the two institutions.
In addition to sponsoring students, AISD hosted the girls on their campus, where they participated in a range of enriching activities such as science experiments, technology workshops, and fun games. The two schools also shared meals together and enjoyed theatrical performances, creating lasting connections and enhancing the educational experience for all involved.
The Abinta Kabir School continues to prioritize student-centered teaching methodologies, encouraging interactive and participatory learning. It also emphasizes English as a communication medium to equip students for future success. Beyond academics, the school nurtures the holistic development of its students through extracurricular activities such as sports days, art fairs, and inter-school competitions, helping students build confidence, leadership skills, and well-rounded character.
The connections between AISD and the Abinta Kabir School ensure that all of our students not only excel academically but also grow socially and emotionally through meaningful relationships and experiences.
Piet Van School - MS & HS
MS Coaches:
Natasha Hut
David Nicol
HS Coaches:
Joffrey Candella
Jason Spivey
The Piet Van service learning group is dedicated to the Piet Van School, which is a small school for unprivileged children in Dhaka started by the principal Ms. Mohini. There are 115 students, and our group’s purpose is to enrich the experience of those students. With the load that they carry especially from working outside of school, we hope to make a lasting impact toward their learning experience and even general well being. Together, the students at AISD raise fundraisers, conduct interviews, and visit their campus to ensure that it is their needs that we are addressing, not what we believe to be. Hopefully by the end of this year, we would have enough opportunities to interact with the students and finish the murals we are currently planning. Other things we are looking forward to doing are to replace their water filters as well as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs to conserve energy.
SITH (Strays In The Hood) - MS
Coaches:
Terry Johnson
Ricardo Delgado
Strays In The Hood (SITH) is committed to the well-being of animals within the AISD school boundaries, particularly at the intersection of Road 3 and Road 1. Our goal is to ensure that local dogs lead healthy and happy lives.
We aim to provide healthy food for the community's cats and dogs, and hope to educate local citizens about the importance of taking care of the dogs' diet. We will organize CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return), and arrange vet appointments for the dogs when needed. We aim to fund these efforts throughout the year via activities that will raise our ability to help the animals.
Through a CNVR program, we aim to neuter and vaccinate any dogs that make our locale their home; some of whom have lived in the area for 5-9 years. If you’re an animal lover, this is your chance to join SITH and contribute to this vital cause for the entire community.
SITH is a non-profit organization focused on protecting and managing the animal population within the AISD school boundaries through CNVR. As a new service-learning group at our school, we brainstorm fundraising ideas and develop strategies to enhance our CNVR efforts and overall animal care. Primarily, we aim to raise funds to support future events and initiatives.
Choice to Change (C2C) - MS
Coaches:
Joyce Miller
Mark Lombardo
Our Service Learning group partners with Choice to Change, a small school in Dhaka dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children. Our mission is to foster mutual learning and collaboration, ensuring that the needs of the students are met through meaningful connections and support. These students often juggle school with external work, so we aim to positively impact their education and well-being. Through fundraisers, we hope to raise money for essential school supplies and computers. We also organize regular visits to Choice to Change and invite students to our campus for activities that strengthen our bond and ensure our efforts align with their needs. By working together, we hope to not only improve their educational experience but also provide opportunities for them to enrich our learning journey as well. We also aim to help the organization secure sustainable, long-term funding, fostering a deeper understanding among our students of the challenges faced by many NGOs like C2C.We look forward to a year filled with shared experiences and meaningful collaboration that will break barriers and help pave the way for a brighter future
Reading Buddies - MS
Coaches:
Meghan Keller
Melinda Rabach
Do you enjoy reading and storytelling? How about making connections with younger students (and possibly students from local schools)? Come join Reading Buddies, a brand new Service Learning group!
Our group aims to share a love and passion for reading with younger AISD students and other members of the community. We plan to be active on campus with story time and related reading activities, partnering with elementary classes to lead read-aloud time, and multilingual weekend story time in the elementary library. You will have the opportunity to share your favorite stories, design games and activities that build literacy skills, and form connections with members of the AISD community through reading and storytelling. If you want to be part of building a new, active group on campus, we hope you will join us this year!
Environment Focus Group - MS
Coaches:
Lucas Rank
Heather Bretzfield
Are you passionate about making a real impact on the environment and learning real world ways to create positive change? Join the Environmental Group, where we will explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Last year, the group built eco bricks and taught elementary students how to create and use them in a variety of ways. This year, we plan to expand our efforts with exciting projects that are student driven. Some ideas may include building a school garden and designing sustainable, eco-friendly spaces. As a member of the Environmental Group, you will gain valuable knowledge, make a difference in your community, and become a leader in environmental stewardship!