Service at Wellington: Enriching Lives and Minds

At Wellington College International Hangzhou, we place an immense value on service-learning, recognising it as a cornerstone for holistic education. Service learning transcends traditional classroom education by giving pupils the chance to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. This method nurtures critical thinking, empathy and social responsibility—qualities essential for developing well-rounded individuals. 

Last week, our Year 5 pupils had the exceptional experience of participating in an enrichment workshop led by the Shanghai-based charity, Roots & Shoots. This initiative not only amplified their classroom learning but also directed their creative energies toward a meaningful cause—designing enrichment toys for gibbons, an endangered species, at the Shanghai Zoo. 

The opportunity to present their innovative creations to the public on Sunday, October 19th, adds a layer of real-world engagement that is both exciting and educational. It is a wonderful opportunity that makes a lasting impression on our pupils, fostering not only their intellect but also their empathy and community engagement. 

This year, Year 3 is preparing to partner with SODEXO to design a healthy food menu for our school linked to their science topic in the classroom. This initiative will teach them the importance of nutrition, dietary planning and the impact of healthy eating on overall well-being. 

They will learn firsthand how food choices can promote better health, setting a lifelong precedent for consciousness in their dietary habits. It is wonderful to bring their learning on healthy eating to life. 

Meanwhile, our Year 4 pupils are set to team up once again with the Tang Mama charity to raise funds for jerry cans, aiming to improve access to clean drinking water for children in rural China. This project directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6—clean water and sanitation. 

By working on this cause, our pupils not only understand the gravity of water scarcity but also the importance of global solidarity and sustainable solutions. Tackling real-life problems linked to the SDGs transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, thereby bringing learning to life. 

As our pupils engage in these various service-learning projects, they are doing much more than just helping; they are growing. Each project underscores the importance of empathy, civic responsibility and sustainable living. 

These experiences are designed to be life-changing, embedding lessons that extend beyond the classroom and fostering skills that will serve our pupils throughout their lives.