Service at NIST is not simply an activity. It represents the heart of our learning and is woven into the curriculum across all levels. We believe that service acts as the catalyst for all of our community members, empowering them to transform their learning into meaningful actions that create a positive impact for others.
Unlike traditional conceptions of community service, our programme is not driven by teachers or designed to simply check a box for a certain number of hours. Both in classroom learning and through other opportunities, NIST students engage with local and global issues, reflecting on differing perspectives and ideas that could contribute to solutions. They take the initiative in forming service groups and social enterprises aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and implement needs analysis models as they work alongside communities to understand their contexts, their challenges and their aspirations.
Through this approach we have developed sustained relationships that have lasted through many years and several generations of NIST students. From partnerships with coffee farmers in Omgoi and rice farmers in Roi Et to initiatives that have eliminated single-use plastics and supported children living with HIV, our students have pioneered purposeful and impactful service in international education. In addition to mentoring their peers in other schools, helping them start their own programmes, our student service leaders have run workshops for educators at international conferences and shared their stories in a range of journals and magazines.
Service Core Team
The Service Core Team (ServiceCo) is a team of experienced, active and engaged group of service youth leaders, service coordinator, Head of Secondary, Head of School and NIPTA Service Lead. We work collaboratively towards supporting service projects in the NIST Community with their engagement, communication, and finance to ensure sustainability and meaningful impact.
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.
What Defines Service Learning at NIST?
Meaningful & Purposeful Action
Service provides mutual, authentic learning experiences for all involved. We adopt a systems approach—guided by research, data and expert partners—to make a difference in the world. We collaborate, we connect and we take action, all with the shared vision of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A Journey of Growth
From our early years programme to the final year of high school, we focus on building a service mindset. Key attributes and experiences are clearly articulated throughout our programme, and students increasingly take the initiative as they progress through the school, becoming leaders and mentors to the whole community in the process.
Who We Are as a Community
We do not see service as being for students alone. It represents a collaborative effort between all adults and youth in our community, in partnership with local organizations. Our aspiring youth leaders often continue their work beyond high school, becoming change makers in the world as social enterprise and NGO founders.
Humanitarian Efforts, Inclusivity & Equity
Service groups working on and towards humanitarian efforts, inclusivity and equity.
“What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us.” – Edward Kennedy
Humanitarian Efforts, Inclusivity & Equity
Service groups working on and towards humanitarian efforts, inclusivity and equity.
“What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us.” – Edward Kennedy
Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Service groups working on and towards sustainability.
“The key to understanding the future is one word: sustainability.” – Patrick Dixon
Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Service groups working on and towards sustainability.
“The key to understanding the future is one word: sustainability.” – Patrick Dixon
Environmental Sustainability
Service groups working on and towards environmental sustainability.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Chief Seattle
Environmental Sustainability
Service groups working on and towards environmental sustainability.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Chief Seattle
Unity & Collaboration
Service groups working on and towards sustainability.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Unity & Collaboration
Service groups working on and towards sustainability.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
