We are delighted to announce that Luanda International School has been awarded the 2024 AISA Service Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates international schools across Africa that demonstrate an exceptional and sustained commitment to service learning. For our community, this award is a powerful validation of years of intentional planning, collaboration, and student-led impact.
At LIS, service is a core part of our educational philosophy—from the early stages of the Middle Years Programme through to the final years of the Diploma Programme. Guided by the five stages of service learning—investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration—students engage in meaningful projects that strengthen both personal growth and community connection.
Service at LIS begins in MYP Year 7 with empathy-building projects such as interviewing non-teaching staff and sharing their stories at the Be Grateful Brunch. In Year 8, students raise awareness of human rights issues through the Gallery Walk for Change. By Year 9, students lead co-curricular clubs based on personal interests, while Year 10 marks a significant shift as students collaborate directly with local NGOs such as Fundação Arte e Cultura, Halo Trust, Otchiva, PSI, and Kitabanga.
Year 11 students take on independent Service as Action projects that mirror the structure of the DP’s CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) model. In Years 12 and 13, students begin their CAS journey during a Core Retreat, where they engage with rural communities, conduct interviews, and co-design long-term, sustainable projects that respond to community needs.
“Our programme is designed with purpose at every step,” said Ms. Cathy, MYP Coordinator. “Students build confidence year after year—from interviewing staff to partnering with local organisations. It’s inspiring to see how each stage prepares them for the next.”
One highlight of our programme is the intentional mentorship that now takes place between Year 11 and Year 12 students. Year 11s join Year 12s on CAS fieldwork, gaining early exposure to community engagement and building continuity across the years.
“This year’s DP students approached their projects with confidence and clarity,” said Ms. Susana, DP Coordinator. “Because they had already experienced fieldwork in Year 11, they were better prepared to design and lead effective service initiatives.”
LIS students consistently describe their service experiences as transformative. Francisco, a DP student, recalled helping renovate a school in Caputo: “After we rebuilt classrooms and shared health education, one teacher told us more parents began enrolling their kids. That moment showed me the power of our actions.”
Channol, also in the DP, highlighted the value of autonomy in the CAS programme: “We had full ownership of our projects—from design to implementation. That freedom made the experience meaningful and personal.”
Ester and Diane, Year 11 students, were part of the first group to experience Service as Action during the pandemic. “Even though we were figuring things out remotely, we learned how to adapt and lead,” said Diane. Ester added “It’s amazing to see how far the programme has come since then”.
Winning the AISA Service Award is a milestone for the entire LIS community. It reflects not just student achievement, but also the support of dedicated staff, families, and community partners. As Ms. Cathy put it, “This award is not the end—it’s an encouragement to keep growing and deepening our impact.”
Service learning at LIS is no longer an add-on; it’s woven into the fabric of our school culture. Students are not only preparing for life beyond LIS—they are already making a difference in the world.
We thank our students, staff, and partners for their continued commitment to meaningful, student-driven service. This recognition is a celebration of your hard work and dedication—and a promise of even greater things to come.
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