St. Joseph’s Institution International

Students at SJI International have taken their commitment to the community to the next level this year. On account of the pandemic, initial plans for service learning were no longer possible; instead, new needs emerged and the restrictions initially looked like obstacles. However, it didn’t take long for students to show their resilience and adaptability, not only in the way they adjusted their learning and lives but in their response to global issues in the “new norm”.

One such initiative was by Grade 10 student Natalie who raised funds for Baan Dada Children’s Home in Thailand, one of the school’s long-term service partners. Located on the border of Thailand and Myanmar, Baan Dada is a home for disadvantaged children, teaching them life skills and also supporting the wider community through local projects such as vaccination programmes and the construction of hospitals and schools. Some of its support comes through donations from volunteer groups, but because of the pandemic, trips have been cancelled – including one by SJI International students. This adversely affected the home’s ability to sustain its activities and programmes.

Natalie started her fundraising campaign through give.asia, with $5,000 as her goal. With support from family and friends, she raised a total of $6,673. All donations went towards helping the home with daily necessities, paying employees and student fees, and also local projects.

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