Service Learning Initiative at the International Academy

The International Academy service learning initiative for the school year is UN SDG #4 - Quality Education. The goal is to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning. Education enables upward socioeconomic mobility and is a key to escaping poverty. Education helps reduce inequalities and reach gender equality and is crucial to fostering tolerance and more peaceful societies. IA grade 11 students kicked off CAS with five service days in the month of September that work toward that goal as well as last year's food insecurity goal. More than 1,300 hours of service were spent at The Children's Center and Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit, as well as Forgotten Harvest Farm in Fenton.

 

At Downtown Boxing Gym, juniors weeded, cleaned and prepared the grounds for the upcoming Ungala which is the major fundraiser for the year. At The Children's Center in Detroit, they worked with the campus beautification team to prepare the grounds for the upcoming Trunk or Treat event, group counseling services, and other community events. They worked to clean and organize the boutique that families utilize. They also prepared birthday kits and created birthday cards for students who receive services. By doing this, they helped to provide a warm and welcoming environment for families who receive services from The Children's Center and the Downtown Boxing Gym! More than 9,000 pounds of corn were harvested at Forgotten Harvest Farm; the equivalent of 9,000 meals!