I just returned from a trip to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, specifically the pediatric cancer ward. Children from all over Malaysia, all stricken with cancer, come here for treatment, surgeries, chemo, radiation, etc. This is a State-Run hospital, subsidized by the government and is located in a large sprawling facility. It looks like it may have been built during the time the British were here but it keeps being added on to and it must cover ten city blocks. While the facility was showing it’s age, everything was clean and orderly on the inside. This is one of the few hospitals that allow the parents to stay with their kids. The families are charged three ringit a day (that is one dollar) for all the care provided, the chemotherapy, the radiation, the medicine. The surgeries are a bit more, but overall it is affordable for most people.

ISKL (The International School of Kuala Lumpur) is a pretty special place. Our mission: The International School of Kuala Lumpur provides and exceptional education that challenges each student to develop the attitude, skill, knowledge and understanding to become highly successful, spirited, socially-responsible global citizens. The words in our mission are extremely important to us as they drive all we do. When determining what it takes to become “socially-responsible global citizens” we think of service learning, of giving to others. At our elementary school, here is a sampling of service learning.

1. Cancer Ward – Once per month, about 20 fifth grades (the Red Hats) and parents hop on a bus and drive to the Cancer Ward. The kids bring games, coloring books, paper, pens, i-pads, etc. Their goal is to brighten the lives of the little children in the hospital. The patients (most aged 3 to 7) didn’t want much to do with the tall adults, but once the kids introduced themselves and started talking and playing, all barriers broke down and the smiles came out. Official language didn’t matter…there was that universal “kid language” flowing. i-Pod apps were a favorite, but so were the puppet shows, singing, card and board games, and coloring. Our kids were creative in what they brought. They also brought items to leave with the patients…books, colored pencils, games, etc. It was truly priceless to see our kids give so selflessly. Lives were touched, connections made, hearts filled.

2. KIVA – Once per month we have a “Free Dress-up” Day. Instead of wearing the school uniform, the kids can wear their regular street clothes. But to do so, they have to pay 5 ringit (about $1.50). The money is collected and divided equally between all the classrooms. Each classroom then visits the KIVA website and determines where to invest their money. On the KIVA website, the children determine who will be the recipient of their loan. They select the country and the individual. Once selected, they can view the progress of the donation. Many selected the Philippines this month to give to people who may have been affected by the massive storm. To date, we have given thousands of dollars to the organizations.

3. Bake Sale for Philippines – Our Red Hats cooked and baked and brought so many items to sell at lunchtime that we earned over $3000.00 to go directly to the storm relief. We also collected 20 large boxes (3 foot square) of supplies, food, water, etc. for the Philippine relief fund.

4. Change for Good – During one week, kids brought in change from countries they have visited. They collected over $4000.00 just in change…all of which goes to UNISEF.

5. Orphanage – We have adopted the kids at a local orphanage. Besides providing Christmas gifts and school supplies, we purchase each child a uniform for their local school and make sure they have a lovely Christmas. Our Red Hats (all our fifth graders are Red Hats. They are the leaders in our school…they do the daily announcements, provide new students with a tour of our school, run all the assemblies, and act as models for our younger students) organize a huge play day for the orphans. They come to the school and play soccer, swim in the pool, play games, dance, etc. At this time we present them with their gifts and have a huge feast.

6. Trash Free Fridays – On Friday, there is NO trash at our school. Lunches come in reusable containers, no zip-lock bags, plastic-wrap, etc. Paper napkins, juice boxes, food that come in wrappers, etc. are not sold or brought to school. Besides food scraps (which are composted), there is practically zero trash. While only officially on Friday, the trash-free mentality is contagious and many kids (and teachers) continue all week long.

7. Terry Fox Fun Run – All our kids (even the three year olds in Prep Reception) take part in the annual Terry Fox Run. Money is earned by purchasing t-shirts and through donations during the event. The kids run for 20 minutes. We add up the total miles just to let the kids know how far we all went. The kids are always moved by the video and knowing where the money goes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09mypXm_ZRM
Just from the t-shirt sales and donations, we earned almost $10,000.00. A check was drawn-up and donated directly to the Cancer Research Society of Malaysia.

Service learning is alive and well at ISKL.

Last night we went to ISKL JAZZ Night at Canada Place in Downtown Kuala Lumpur. Jazz Night is a fund-raiser for our High School Music department to fund their trip to Vienna, Austria later this year. It was also another opportunity to get dressed up, and have a social evening. (and NO HAGGIS OR DURIAN) This was a special night for Will as the jazz band is under his direction. As usual, the event was emceed by the kids, the kids did all the serving of the food, the bussing of the tables, and of course, provided the music. We have a truly gifted bunch of students…couldn’t believe they were High School age. Here are some pics of the night.

Heidi went out to the mall and brought back some Christmas decorations. When we shipped our stuff over from the states, we didn’t have room for Christmas decorations…so we are starting from scratch. Here is a pic of our Charlie Brown Christmas tree…next year we hope to do better!!!!

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