Service Learning

At ICSA, we believe that service learning plays an essential role in the education of children. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that connects positive and meaningful action in the community with school work, personal growth, and social responsibility. Our service learning program empowers students, as global citizens, to take an active role in dealing with global issues in communities around them as they apply their academic learning in these contexts. 

Why Service Learning is Important

The benefits of service learning have been well-documented; and since the integration of our own service learning program at ICSA, we have noticed: 
 
  • Improved academic outcomes.
  • Better understanding of people in the community.
  • Authentic learning contexts.
  • Increased motivation to learn.
  • Increased problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Building of social-emotional intelligence.
  • Development of empathy.
  •  Increased interpersonal development.
 

“Service as action is a foundational element of the International Baccalaureate Programme. It seeks to develop caring members of the community who act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and their environment” (IBO.org).

How Service Learning is Integrated

  • Curriculum Integration: This allows students to transfer academic concepts and skills in real life contexts through mutual collaboration with the community. 
  • IB CAS Projects: Student-directed projects by IBDP students are part of the “service” requirements for the IB Diploma.
  • School-wide Events: Entire ICSA engagement in service learning through events like MLK Jr. Day of Service and Earth Day.
  • Student-initiated Service Learning Projects: Upper school students design and lead projects based on passions and interests.
  • Teacher-sponsored Projects: Just like the students, our teachers also design and lead service learning projects in the community.

Service Learning Partnerships

ICSA partners with many organizations in Côte d’Ivoire. Below, we highlight some of our students’ accomplishments. To see more, please visit our Service Learning page on Facebook. 

Education and English For You (EEFY)

  • Our students offer regular English language learning sessions to EEFY students in the Anono neighborhood of Côte d’Ivoire.
  • We’ve donated learning support materials translated from English to French as well as about 200 English books.
  • Benches were donated by grade 8 students as part of their service project.
  • School supplies for a class of 100 were donated by grade 8 students as part of their service project.
  • 19 ceiling fans installed in six classrooms and one office at Anono Public Primary School through funds raised by the EEFY ICSA After School Activity.
  • Creation of decorative murals based on Anono Primary school’s mission through a collaboration between 8th grade art class and students from Anono primary school.
  • Planted 400 trees around the school campus.
  • Renovated the floors and built book closets in 6 classrooms.

Orphelinat de Garçons de Bingerville 

  • We’ve donated computers to equip the orphanage’s IT lab.
  • We’ve donated English books to the orphanage’s library.
  • ICSA Community Garden ASA students helped tend the garden at the orphanage and donated garden equipment.
  • One of our 2nd grade classes donated 200 chicks with feed and medicine to the orphanage’s poultry project using funds form their market day fundraiser/service learning unit. 
  • For the recent AISA GISS service learning summit, we carried out a clean-up campaign to clear out a garbage patch on the orphanage grounds. The space will be transformed into a refreshment area. 

SOS Village d’Abobo 

  • Our student council organizes food drives in order to donate food items to the children’s village in Abobo.  
  • One of our seniors recently donated 120 textbooks to primary school students, raising funds for these supplies by creating and selling artwork as part of her IB CAS experience. .
  • We’ve donated a selection of English books for the library..
  • For the recent AISA GISS 2020 service learning summit, we carried out technology projects to serve the community, creating a smart garden, e-bike transformation, and do-it-together drones. 
 
 

For updates on ICSA’s service learning initiatives, make sure to check out our Service Learning Facebook page!