In the spirit of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), our students at SSFLS undertook a heartwarming community project that exemplifies the core values of the IB program. Prompted by a devastating earthquake that struck Gansu on December 18, 2023, leaving many without shelter in the harsh winter weather, the MYP students took it upon themselves to make a positive impact.

The community project focuses on 4 objectives: A. Investigating- students found out from the news that the earthquake really affected people. They set up a goal to donate items that can help the victims. B. Planning- MYP Students took initiative to work in groups to educate their peers in lower classes about their goal. C. Taking Action- In small groups of 3 and 4, they planned to receive the items from the parents, staff and other students, put them together and help to hand over to EMS staff, who would then ferry to the affected area. D. Reflecting-students consider the skills they developed in this project and using the data collected through a survey, they will further find out the impact created by the donations.

The students, embodying the IB Learner Profile attributes, demonstrated exceptional commitment, empathy, and a sense of responsibility as they initiated a donation drive to aid the affected residents of Gansu. This initiative not only showcased the students' willingness to take meaningful action which highlighted their awareness of global issues and their ability to think critically about how they, as individuals and as a collective, could contribute positively to the world.

This project also provided students with an opportunity to enhance their IB profile attributes in practical terms. By organizing and executing the donation drive, students developed their communication and collaboration skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of taking action to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In addition, this experience allowed students to grow as reflective learners, encouraging them to contemplate the broader implications of their actions and the interconnectedness of global communities.

This activity serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the IB MYP. It not only nurtured a spirit of compassion and community service but also provided a platform for holistic development, integrating academic learning with real-life applications and fostering a sense of global citizenship among the students. The success of this project exemplifies the strength and unity of the IB family at SSFLS, as we collectively strive to make a positive difference in the world.