As our innovative ‘Waste to Wonder’ project wins a China School Award, we look back at five years of our unique Service Learning programme, which has inspired countless young people to take action and drive positive change in Shanghai and beyond.
When we introduced our Service Learning programme in 2019, the vision was clear: to cultivate a culture of care and understanding for others and inspire students to make a positive difference. Through a growing range of curricular, co-curricular activities (CCAs), and student leadership opportunities, they are encouraged to take informed action on real-world challenges.
The results? A thriving network of student-led initiatives that foster empathy, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to service. Five years on, our approach to Service Learning has not only transformed the fabric of student life at the school but has also left a lasting impact on communities across Shanghai and beyond.
The evolution of Service Learning
The ultimate goal of Service Learning is to make service an intrinsic part of students’ identity – something they do not just because it is encouraged, but because it is who they are.
This transformation is evident in the growth of Service CCAs at the school. What started with just five service-focused CCAs in the Senior School has expanded to include 24 different Service CCAs across both Junior and Senior Schools, with more than 334 students actively involved each week.
Increasingly, these initiatives are student-led, demonstrating the programme’s success in empowering young leaders to take ownership of their projects. Students identify causes that matter to them, conduct meaningful research, and take action that has tangible impact.
Making a real-world impact
From supporting community partners to promoting sustainability and social entrepreneurship, Service Learning extends well beyond the school campus, including long-term partnerships with youth-focused and education projects in Nepal and Uganda. A great example is our award-winning One Voice Summit, an annual student-led event that brings together young people from across Shanghai to explore key issues and drive change in their communities. Last year’s summit was the biggest yet, exploring how AI and technology can address social injustice, with students also coming up with action plans to ensure consumption is responsible and sustainable.
Other student-led initiatives continue to make a difference in the lives of others. A good example of this is our community partnership with Home Sweet Home, where students teach English to homeless and disabled individuals, helping them prepare for their GESE test to improve job opportunities. The impact of this initiative is evident, with some beneficiaries even securing long-term employment at the College itself. Meanwhile, the Kidscan project sees students provide meaningful support to children receiving cancer treatment at Shanghai Children’s Medical Center.
The award-winning Social Enterprise Club is another example of how our students are using innovation to drive social change. Here, students pitch sustainable business ideas to secure investment from the school. Recent projects have included the development of biodegradable phone cases and herb-growing kits created using compost made from school food waste under the Waste to Wonder project — initiatives that have not only encouraged sustainable practices within the College but also support low-income entrepreneurs abroad through our work with community partners.
Student voices drive lasting change
A defining characteristic of Service Learning is that it is not a top-down initiative—it is powered by students. In class, students conduct research on pressing issues before pitching their own proposals to College leadership. Their efforts have led to tangible changes, such as reducing food waste in the cafeteria, installing water fountains to replace single-use plastic dispensers, and partnering with catering services to implement more sustainable packaging.
Perhaps the most compelling example of student-led impact is the Upcycled Masks Initiative, which began when Year 2 students raised concerns about single-use plastic use. Their efforts resulted in the creation of PM2.5-certified reusable masks made from upcycled plastic bottles, which were distributed across the College. This initiative embodies the driving philosophy of ‘Think Global, Act Local’.
Beyond the immediate Dulwich Pudong community, our students have made a measurable difference across China through a range of service projects, for example those which support the education of children in rural areas. In addition, this year all students in Years 3 and 6 have partnered and learned together with children in the wider Shanghai area.
A future built on purpose and compassion
As we reflect on five years of Service Learning, it is clear that the programme has exceeded expectations, fostering a generation of students who not only care about the world but are actively working to improve it. Students realize their ideas are heard and valued, and as a result feel empowered and motivated to contribute to sustainability and Global Citizenship initiatives.
At Dulwich Pudong, education is more than grades – it is about shaping individuals who will make a lasting difference. As Service Learning continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: our students are not just preparing for the future – they are helping to create it.
