ISD Students: Conscientious and altruistic future leaders

Angie Braaten        

It is through the noble practice of social empathy that humankind can stand tall against growing issues like social class differences. It takes a broader and more benevolent perspective than the general for one to identify the underlying complications behind certain communities remaining underprivileged. International School Dhaka (ISD) has been an exemplary academy in Bangladesh to promote a message of benevolence and social unity among its students and has successfully ignited the spirit of communal responsibility within the future generation through many of its innovative initiatives.     

For instance, ISD tagged along with JAAGO Foundation, a reputed non-profit organization, in a relief drive for a large number of underprivileged families this past Ramadan season. The “ISD x Jaago” campaign enabled the community to contribute financial aid through donating directly to the campaign, purchasing from a special bake sale, or participating in an exciting gaming tournament. Donations were open for those who wished to share their joy of Eid with ones in distress. At the same time, mouthwatering items like fudge brownies, Nutella stuffed cookies, lava cupcakes, and more were also up for grabs, most of which sold out. During the Rocket League Gaming Tournament, participants challenged each other’s gaming skills and donated significant amounts while testing the thresholds of their joysticks. To make this brilliant gesture of social cooperation memorable, every participant received a digital certificate proving their participation in the service events.     

Another ongoing service initiative this year has been the LEF Team online lessons with students at LEF for Life. The LEF students are now at a new location near Tongi. Because of the distance and the pandemic situation, the LEF Team committed to teaching math, English, accounting, dance, yoga, and fitness virtual lessons for the students at LEF. There are sometimes two lessons a day, every day of the week, conducted by grade 11 and grade 8 ISD students. Mr. Dino Halder, the founder of LEF, told Mr. Hugh Stevenson of the need for additional lessons, and the LEF Service Team made the lessons happen. Technical difficulties have sometimes been an issue, but the eight months of consistent educational lessons have been tremendously beneficial for the students at LEF. ISD students are proud of their work and have exhibited incredible collaboration and perseverance throughout this year of online learning.     

It is incredible to see students, who may be going through tough times in a pandemic situation themselves, find ways to adapt and continue their service with community partners online. Initiatives will carry on even until the last week of the school year with the 2021 Service Days taking place on June 20th and 21st. There are approximately eighteen different service activities that will take place in two days. The activities range from awareness projects to collaborative projects with community partners. Students continue to express their eagerness and excitement to take part in service activities. When asked who she would like to collaborate with for a card-making activity for Utsho children, Rayya Taher, a grade 10 leader of the Utsho Team, stated, “I want to work with grade 6 students because I haven’t really spent time with them.” Sure, this sounds like an unfortunate comment that brings to light the downfall of online learning, but it is also an endearing comment that proves ISD students care about one another and their communities.      

Engaging in service activities during online learning will never match up to being able to interact with the community in person, but students and teachers continue to remain passionate about finding new and innovative ways to help and collaborate with those in need. It is a complete privilege to witness the work of empathetic, ethical, and hardworking students who will become future leaders of Bangladesh and other parts of the world.      

Learning, when made real, can generate incredible outcomes in a child’s personal and social life. Time spent only inside the classrooms and homes can barely allow children to realize how diverse their communities are and how many people are living lives below the standards. We are hopeful that our consistent effort to broaden students’ perspectives will accredit to the making of conscientious citizens ahead.     

Poverty, illiteracy, and other similar factors have been the roots of Bangladesh’s persistent social gaps. Generations after generations have remained below the bars of a socially privileged life due to such factors. Awareness and initiatives created because of ISD’s core belief in service will help Bangladesh continue to develop into a sustainable and equal country for all.        

The writer is a Secondary Service Coordinator & English Language & Literature Teacher at International School Dhaka