Our student-led community initiative, Kujali Jamii, aims to give back to the community as our shared moral responsibility. Recently, our SLO prefects, together with the Social Responsibility Parents’ Sub-committee, organized a charity dinner. The night was filled with elegance and memorable moments, graced by the presence of the SABIS^® President and Chairman, Mr. Carl Bistany. Thanks to the support of over 17 sponsors, we were able to surpass our target and ensure that the SLO Social Responsibility Department has enough resources to support over 480 disadvantaged children with food and supply desks to a local needy school. Together, we made a difference!

The Friendship Day, organized by the Social Responsibility Department at ISC Manama in collaboration with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, was a heartwarming and memorable event. Volunteering at an orphanage was a special occasion to showcase kindness and giving within our community.

A group of 75 prefects eagerly embarked on a new adventure as volunteers and donated their time and skills to engage with the 115 orphans. As the students entered the orphanage, they were immediately greeted by smiling faces and welcoming hugs. The prefects spent some quality time with the children, engaging them in various activities. It was heartening to see the joy on the orphan's faces. We could see that our small effort has significantly impacted their day. Interacting and playing with the children was very rewarding, and it was great to see how much all the children enjoyed the fun and activities.  

A group photo was then taken, capturing this special day's spirit and mood. Everyone then gathered for a well-deserved lunch, which was followed by a range of additional activities such as robotics, henna art, and balloon shaping. The successful event was concluded with members of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation and a special guest actor presenting gifts to the young children. This initiative brought happiness to the orphans and highlighted the importance of compassion and community involvement. By involving our students in these activities, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I came back home filled with warmth, due to the smiles our students put on the children’s faces on Friendship Day. It was truly an uplifting event and I enjoyed every second.

Nouf Alzayani

Friendship Day was one of the best experiences in my life, meeting all the kids, getting to know them, and playing with them was the best part.

 Mariam Bukamal

Friendship Day was such an uplifting and exciting event that I participated in. It brought me joy to see all the children happy with all the games provided.

Haya Alfadhala

 

Pink is more than just a color. It’s a symbol of hope and strength.

The Social Responsibility prefects planned a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign that included presentations by the school doctor and the Head of Science to educate the students on the dangers of Breast Cancer and what they can do to monitor proactively their health at all times.

A delicious Pink Bake Sale was held, and students were encouraged to wear pink to show their support for the campaign.

Jeddah International School hosted Down Syndrome students from the Help Center.

Grades 9 through 12 students welcomed them and spent a great time with them, guiding them through fun activities, initiating them to different kinds of art projects, followed by a delicious lunch.

Our students were changed by this amazing experience that helped them better understand, appreciate and become aware of our interconnections.

Student G 10  :” it felt so nice to help students of help center , their smiles means a lot”

Student G12 : “it's satisfying when you give…”

 

 

The SLO Social Responsibility Department prefects held a “Bake for a Cause” bake sale to shine a light on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The bake sale was open to grade 4-12 students, staff, and admin.

Students were asked to bring baked goods and money to purchase delicious treats. The bake sale is one of the most successful events on campus because students love to both eat and help out during the event. The most popular items in the bake sale are, without a doubt, donuts.

All the proceeds were donated to the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon.

The Bake Sale was a huge success! Multiple tables stacked with food, donated by students, were cleared out, and everyone seemed thrilled. Students were enjoying baked goods with their friends all over campus, and money was raised for a good cause. Angelina Hobeiche – Grade 10 

 

The SLO Social Responsibility Department launched a food drive in honor of World Food Day in collaboration with The Lebanese Food Bank. The food drive was open to the entire SIS-Adma community. People were asked to donate sealed dry and canned foods with late expiry dates and other necessary items, such as oil, powdered milk, rice, pasta, beans, nuts, canned foods, and so on.

The collected items were sorted and organized and filled around 37 big boxes.

Small things make a difference, and when combined with the generosity of the whole community, they make a big difference.

 

In collaboration with the Red Cross, the SLO Social Responsibility Department held its annual Christmas celebration of “One Child, One Gift.”

The entire school, from preschool to grade 12, was asked to donate new toys or gifts to be distributed to orphaned children at Christmas. The SLO was the central collection point before being picked up by the Red Cross.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to collect over 300 gifts.

 

Being able to put a smile on a child’s face through the donations made by the students is an honor in itself. “One child, One Gift” is a step forward towards making this world a better place.” Sara Mneimneh, Grade 9

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The social Responsibility department organized the “Winter Clothing Drive” from November 15^th till the end of November.

Students donated clothes to help those who couldn’t afford to buy them. ISC Damascus students made sure to donate as many clothes as possible and in the best condition possible

They folded clothes, wrapped them in plastic bags, stuck the SABIS logo on top, sorted them by age group, and finally packed them in boxes.

The charity representatives visited the campus to receive the donated clothes boxes and to distribute them to those needing them the most.

 

In order to raise awareness about breast cancer, the Social Responsibility Department organized a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign on the 31^st of October.

Staff and teachers were invited to attend a 10 min session with the Head of the Science Department, Ms. Najwa Al Samman, and Dr. Rana Qureit to educate students about breast cancer, its causes, its symptoms, and treatment.

 

A Water Conservation workshop was held by two students in grade 7, during lunchtime. This educational talk stressed the importance of water, and how to protect it to keep the world safe. The students did a thorough research and used statistics to illustrate their points and findings.  It was a very valuable and informative session that taught the students many facts they were not aware of.

Student: It was amazing!

Teachers: They were so happy to see their students have the ability to hold workshops and can convey the message scientifically.

 

Women’s History Month was celebrated during the month of March.

Instead of just celebrating all of the amazing women who paved the way for everyone, the SLO Social Responsibility Department in partnership with Friends of the Homeless hosted an Essentials Drive and organized a contactless drop off at the SICS campus on Saturday, March 20, 2021. With our students returning to school, and with our partnership, we collected approximately 300 essential hygiene and sanitary products for women experiencing homelessness as of March 25, 2021. The deadline has been extended until April 16^th to allow all the students the opportunity to participate. An Amazon Wishlist was setup for those who could not make it to campus. This event was also featured on the local news promoting the event.

The Massachusetts Public Charter School Association is featuring the Deputy Head Prefect of Social Resonsibility in their monthly newsletter as a recognition for young women who are making a difference in our community. 
Watch the Video here 

In this time of need during the pandemic, my wife and I knew that it was important to pay it forward with our stimulus money. We were happy to do what we can!” Mr. and Mrs. Walsh, Middle School Science Teacher 

I wanted to donate because I know that there are woman struggling and need our help. – Lisa Elkhay, Middle and High School Specials Teacher 

I know how expensive essential items are for woman and wanted to do what I could. – Sue Thibodeau, Educational Team Leader  

As a female, it makes me worry that some other females do not have the essential items one would need to simply prepare for every day, like deodorant, a brush, or a toothbrush and paste. This brightened my day for giving to others. Class of 2022 student 

Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give.” – SICS Family   

The Annual Toy Drive Campaign aiming to support less fortunate children in our community, took place from December 6^th-17^th 2020, where students, parents and staff donated used and new toys collected in toy boxes, decorated and displayed at the school’s reception. All toys were separated into boys/girls bins depending on the different age groups, sanitized, gift wrapped, and ready to be distributed.

The distribution took place on December 22, 2020 through our grade 5-6 Students who were excited to volunteer.

 I really enjoyed seeing other students smiling when I handed them a gift. –Ster, Gr. 5

“Teaching others to give back at a young age and exposing children to others who are less fortunate teaches our kids to be more sympathetic.” -Ms. Missouri, School Director

“Besides academics, this social act of kindness was a nice step in teaching our children that there is a lower, social class of people suffering from poverty.  My own daughter didn’t realize we had such a poor community in this world. I especially loved how the schools displays it on their social media accounts to share with the world.” –Dr. Ari, Parent of Gr. 5 student

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All around the world, breast cancer is affecting women. Over 522,000 people fell victim to this auto-immune disease in 2012 alone. Breast cancer is the leading cause of all cancer-related cases in women.

The wellness department organized a breast cancer awareness campaign to educate all students about this important topic through online sessions with students discussing causes, symptoms. treatment and prevention. Success stories were shared as well.

On a chilly evening on Thursday, November 19, 2020 the Social Responsibility Department made an impact on our local food pantry, The Gray House, located in Springfield, Massachusetts in the USA.

With a small team of prefects, we were able to organize a safe drive-through drop off at the school, where generous families donated food to the cause, allowing us to load a large truck to be delivered to this organization.  For many years and thanks to the goodwill of our community, we were able to contribute several thousands pounds of non-perishable foods to benefit our community.

“I was so happy to support our SLO's can drive for the Gray House! It is such a wonderful cause, and the home has a special place in my heart.  I was taught from grades 4-12 by the Sisters of St. Joseph and they were the founders of the Gray House.  They taught me that love and charity were the greatest gifts anyone could ever share with others. The sisters were also the reason I wanted to become a teacher, so it was a perfect way for me to give thanks to two groups that mean the world to me. It was a super cold fall day, but the warm smiles from Ms. Domash, Ms. Poehler, and my former students just made my day!  Keep up the good work SLO!” 
Mrs. Reardon, 1^st Grade Teacher

“Donating to the Grays's house was such a rewarding experience. Not only did our family give to a great cause but seeing SABIS students and staff working together after all these months was just as rewarding! Great Job!!” 
Mr. and Mrs. Wyszynski, SICS Parents

"We chose SABIS^® International Charter schools because our children could not wait for their district to improve. They needed a rigorous and proven education upon enrollment. Knowing that our children would be educated, rather than policed was a huge factor in our decision. We feel part of the SABIS family, we take every opportunity to participate in school wide events. Though we are fully virtual we jump at the chance to give back and encourage our upper classmen in their volunteer endeavors. We have had an amazing experience with the K-4 teachers, leaving us with the easy decision to send our second child to SABIS. "    Phillip J., Class of 2032 and his Mom, Mrs. Jackson
 

“So thankful to be able to give back to my community during these difficult times.”
SICS Student, Class of 2023

“Because it is a nice thing.” – Cristian V., Class of 2028

 

The Baheya institute was named after Mrs. Baheya Wahby, a lady who passed away from breast cancer years ago. Her family realized that there were many poor people with breast cancer cases who couldn’t afford the treatment. This is when they set out to convert their house into a free treatment hospital.

Throughout the years, ISC Cairo has continuously supported the Baheya institute, and our school once again, has raised money by selling cancer awareness masks and pink socks. In addition, all students around school showed their support by wearing pink shirts.

“Loved your efforts to raise awareness towards breast cancer. Transforming the staff room and your sales were just amazing.

 

To honor our Veterans, the SLO^® organized a trip to the St. Aloysius Cemetery through the Roberts family, and the American Legion Post 277.

25 prefects, students and 10 faculty members attended this event and placed American flags on our Veterans’ graves. All volunteers took pride in this opportunity and were genuinely moved by the sacrifice of those who fought for us.

“Photography is one of my hobbies and was pleased to capture these memories for our students, families and SICS. I am proud to honor our Veterans and be able to show my support.” –  L. Poehler, DSMC

“It felt great being able to honor our veterans over this past weekend.” – Grace B., Class of 2021
 

“The SLO^® Social Responsibility Event was a lot of fun, honoring the people   who put their lives on the line to help us-I am forever grateful, also it showed   how fun it can be to help the community, I will definitely, be joining in on future  SABIS events.” – Domenic Y. class of 2025

“This was an event my father and I have been doing solo for the past three years.  The Legionnaires from American Legion Post 277 have had the pleasure of flagging St. Aloysius Cemetery for both Veterans and Memorial Day for decades. As the members of the Legion have gotten older, membership has dwindled down.   Being able to include our amazing students and the Student Life Organization^® seemed like a no brainer.  But getting the amazing turnout has been an extremely humbling experience.  It shows, once again, how our SABIS^® students are dedicated and proud members of the Springfield community. It also reiterates how we are a strong SABIS^® family!” - Proudly, Miss Robert, Middle school AQC

“It was nice doing something for the community and for the veterans that fought for our country. This is something that I will look forward to doing again in the future.” Marieliz S., Class of 2025

“Having our SICS family come together to honor our veterans was the highlight of my week. I’m overwhelmed with the love and support our students have for our community. I cannot thank each volunteer enough. Together we can make a difference!” Ms. Laura Domash, SLC 

SLO Amman,  in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, volunteered to paint 15 classrooms of a public school in East Amman. This project was executed by the SLO High School Prefects.

With all safety and health measures in place, participating prefects made the best out of this opportunity to help, by singing and laughing while getting the job done. Their efforts were sure to trigger smiles and happiness from that public school chlidren ensuring a special “First Day of School” for these students.

A representative from the Ministry of Education presented the school with a plaque as a token of appreciation for the various projects ISC Amman helped complete in the past few years.