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Experiential and Service Learning

How is experiential and service learning defined at ISP?

We believe that...

Students should discover what you learn from doing.

We should provide opportunities for our students to contribute, to collaborate and to learn that they can make a difference.

Students have access to the unique learning that comes from a strong programme of service to others.

 

What is the ISP sustainable development project (SDP)?

International School of Paris leads student trips to countries such as Namibia, Ghana or Costa Rica to show students how they can have a positive influence on the lives of the inhabitants by promoting sustainable development.

During these annual trips, the school does not make monetary donations to local charitable organizations. Rather, a team of student volunteers work alongside local people in service projects which directly benefit the community and the local children, in particular.

By contributing to a worthwhile cause, ISP students gain a meaningful experience and build a spirit of friendship and solidarity that goes beyond the boundaries of politics, religion, race, and geography. The trips also help students become more independent and self-reliant: they have to learn and understand the rules of living in a small community by cooking for themselves, washing their own clothes and adapting to a new and challenging environment.

For more information about this most recent trip or upcoming ones, please contact Marie-Cyrille Lavallé, the Sustainable Development Project Leader, at mlavalle@isparis.net.

SDP trip 2025

During the summer of 2024, ISP's Sustainable Development Team once again traveled to Otjimanagombe, Namibia! This year, the ISP SDP team has been preparing for their upcoming summer trip, having weekly meetings where they learn how sustainable development projects operate and how they can execute theirs the most successfully. They've also been learning about Namibia's geography, politics, history, and demographics in preparation for their arrival. Through bake sales and catering events, the SDP team has been working hard to fundraise for their trip. Most recently, they've been planning the 2025 SDP Gala! An auction will be held in which the proceeds will be going to support the continued efforts to restore the facilities at the Otjimanangombe Primary School. 

The 2025 SDP team hopes to become global citizens and use their experiences to help develop international communities. Their goals are to spread awareness about illnesses and help the community establish sustainable jobs. They aim to help sustainably develop the Omuhaturua Primary School and local community, and through that, live their lives more sustainably and encourage others to do the same. 

Read more about the SDP Trip in Namibia!

Thursday Bakesales Support SDP in Namibia

Looking for a way to give back while enjoying some tasty treats? Join the 2025 Sustainable Development Team every Thursday lunchtime on the ground floor of Beethoven A for the SDP’s weekly bakesale!

These aren’t just any treats—all proceeds go to the Sustainable Development Project (SDP) 2025 team’s fundraising goal for a trip to Otjimanangombe, Namibia, next summer. Every euro raised will help the SDP team buy essential materials to sustainably develop a local school in the Namibian community. Together, we can help make a lasting impact through education and support the values that unite our ISP community.

  • SDP
ISP's Sustainable Project in Namibia, Summer 2024

In the summer of 2024, ISP's Sustainable Development Team embarked on a meaningful journey to Otjimanangombe, Namibia. There, students dedicated their efforts to supporting underserved rural communities by enhancing the local school environment. Their work included constructing new classrooms and other school facilities, teaching various subjects, and introducing students to foreign languages and cultures. The team also raised awareness about important health issues and supported local initiatives. All of this was achieved sustainably—minimizing waste and equipping the community with the knowledge and resources to continue improving their environment for years to come.

In addition to their hands-on contributions, the students formed lasting connections with the local community, learning from their traditions and way of life. This unique experience left a profound impact on the students, fostering a deeper sense of global responsibility and cultural awareness.

  • SDP

Have a look at some photos from the SDP 2024 Trip!

 

Ghana was an unforgettable experience.  Discovering a new culture and a whole new life that I did not know was a real source of inspiration.  Honestly, I could use words like "incredible", "improbable" or "fantastic" but it would never express the intensity of this experience.  It cannot be described with simple words.  I feel lucky and grateful to have lived this opportunity that I will remember all my life. Eleanor Ford, class of 2019 (Ghana 2017 and Namibia 2018)

SDP trip 2023

In the summer of 2023, students once again traveled to Otjimanagombe, Namibia. The students' main initiatives were to:

  • Continue with teaching children English, French, math, science and sports.
  • Restore old dormitories.
  • Provide furniture for the dormitories and school materials to the children.
  • Learning support, library activities and computer room activities.
  • Continue to raise awareness of AIDS and develop outreach with the San people in the Kalahari Desert.
  • Exchange about cultural life and skills.
  • Start a sustainable business with locals (select projects).
  • Learn local language.

What has the SDP team accomplished in previous years?