At AISG, we empower our community to take action locally and globally to bring about positive change. Starting from Elementary school, our students are encouraged to take the chance to learn and grow by contributing their time and talents to a variety of service projects. In Secondary School, our service program is referred to as Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and is part of the curriculum. We believe a great service experience should be both challenging and enjoyable, taking students out of their comfort zones, while empowering them to take action. We believe that service is transformative!

Connect 4 Cancer

Now, what does this look like? Well, some of our Secondary students had a great idea to dedicate the month of April to "Caring in Action," during which we celebrate how acts of kindness can have a positive impact and showcase what service looks like at AISG in Secondary school. Throughout the month, there will be activities and assemblies for our Secondary students to attend. In addition, we are raising awareness about our GCED groups. So, in addition to this article, keep an eye out for stories this month where we let our students introduce our GCED groups to you in their own words!

GCED Overview

AISG’s Global Citizenship Education (GCED) program, the new term for our Upper Secondary's service program, has a unique approach and a long history. GCED is the United Nation's framework for community service. It is about forging lifelong, sustainable, reciprocal service relationships. It involves learning, reflection, and practical experiences. The program helps teach our students to care for humanity and to create more just, peaceful, secure, sustainable, tolerant, and inclusive societies.

Rams Reception

GCED is based on the three domains of learning - cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral.

• Cognitive: knowledge and thinking skills necessary to better understand the world and its complexities.

• Socio-emotional: values, attitudes and social skills that enable learners to develop affectively, psychosocially, and physically and to enable them to live together with others respectfully and peacefully.

• Behavioral: conduct, performance, practical application, and engagement.

 

GCED Inspires and Empowers Our Students

We encourage them to follow these steps in their thinking: to reflect, value, and develop, then explore, learn, and enhance, and lastly to take action and realize. This is achieved by having the program as part of our curriculum rather than as an optional after-school activity and is offered every Tuesday during the schedule's co-curricular activity (CCA) block. As part of the program, student coordinators attend leadership training, students learn about and choose their GCED group during the CCA Fair at the beginning of the year, and groups are featured during our large community events, offering games and activities designed to educate our community and spread awareness.

Indifferent to Difference

GCED is Student-Centered

Each GCED group is led by one or two student coordinators, facilitated by one faculty coordinator, and guided by the Upper Secondary GCED coordinator, who is a faculty member and works with all the GCED groups. GCED groups are student-run, student-driven, and student-led. While a framework is provided, students are active and participatory learners, asking questions, and taking responsibility for their own learning.

Elder Care

GCED is Mission-Driven

Our GCED program connects with our new Mission & Vision perfectly, presenting our students with amazing opportunities to be compassionate and inclusive, as well as make a positive impact in our globally connected community.

Mission

AISG is a compassionate community providing inclusive pathways

to empower all learners to make a positive impact.

Vision

AISG will set the standard in creating unique, transformative learning journeys that will forge a globally connected community.

 

GCED is a Strategic Priority

One of the AISG's four strategic priorities is corporate social responsibility, with the aim of developing and leveraging partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, alumni, and non-profit organizations to create a service program that enriches the AISG community and establishes the school as a leading "corporate citizen" in Guangzhou and beyond. The GCED program plays a significant role in achieving this goal.

Global Issues Network

A great example of this is the recent partnership between AISG and the NGO Shining Star Organization to strengthen the service program and expand access to service opportunities. The founder of Shining Star Organization, Summer Tan, was a benefactor of one of the earliest GCED groups, Global Issues Network (GIN), which provides high school scholarships to underprivileged girls. Summer was part of the first graduating class of the scholarship assistance program and was so inspired that she continued her education and then founded her own NGO that provides education to thousands of children in need in local villages. It’s a moving story of how service can result in a life-changing experience.

GCED has Deep Roots

The first GCED group started in 2004 with Habitat for Humanity, followed soon after by Helping Hands, Roots and Shoots, and GIN. Today, there are 16 groups, with 84% participation from Upper Secondary students. While some of the GCED groups are globally known, AISG also has groups that were founded by students, such as Migrant Link and Elder Care. It’s inspiring to see students realize that they can find ways to help those in need and create pathways for others to do so as well.

High School Union

GCED is Giving Back

As a non-profit school, service is at the core of AISG. Just like how a non-profit reinvests and works for the betterment of the community, AISG students give their time to address authentic needs and make a positive impact in the communities they serve, locally, nationally, and globally.

Roots & Shoots Animal

In closing, AISG’s Secondary School is dedicating April to Caring in Action, showcasing its GCED groups, and celebrating acts of kindness. At AISG, we are proud of our students who are focused on the authentic needs of the globally connected community. They are inspiring each other and empowering themselves to make a difference. We are firm believers that our students are lifelong learners, and the GCED program instills the skill set and values that will benefit them throughout their entire lives.

AISG's community service program is referred to as its Global Citizenship Education (GCED) program and offers students a chance to learn and grow by contributing their time and talents to a variety of service projects. A great service experience should be both challenging and enjoyable, taking students out of their comfort zones while empowering them to take action. To learn more about AISG's GCED program. Click here to learn more about AISG's GCED program.