AISD’s Advisory Transformation: Connecting Through Service Learning
The reorientation of AISD’s approach to service learning is the intentional outcome that combines on-the-ground community awareness with professional support from a team of professional facilitators. Inspire Citizens’ co-founder Aaron Moniz (above in white shirt) engages students on a journey of self-reflection and empowerment. (image supplied)
At American International School Dhaka (AISD), a reimagined approach to service learning is reshaping how students engage with their community. Under the leadership of David Brooker, Secondary Principal, and Kaitlyn Leach, Assistant Principal and advisory curriculum champion, and with guidance from Inspire Citizens founder Aaron Moniz, AISD is moving beyond traditional fundraising to focus on transformative partnerships that foster meaningful connections and shared learning experiences.
Reconnecting Through Action and Service
AISD’s journey into service learning gained momentum as the school emerged from years of instability. A 2016 terrorist attack, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, had significantly impacted the school’s ability to engage with the community. These challenges paused connections with local organizations, leaving a gap in the school’s service approach.
When Kaitlyn joined in 2021, AISD was ready to rebuild. “We were connecting again with community partners, but much of the service learning had shifted to fundraising rather than fostering reciprocal relationships,” she explains. Determined to develop transformative experiences for students and partners alike, Kaitlyn sought to create opportunities where learning and growth were shared across all participants.
Participating in mock service cycles, AISD faculty explored the process of investigation, planning, and partnership. This exercise solidified their understanding of how service learning could be applied meaningfully in their classrooms. (image supplied)
A Shift in Perspective: How to Employ The Service Cycle
Aaron Moniz played a pivotal role in reorienting the school’s approach. Introduced to the AISD team by Diane Candella and Cyndi Tilley, their service coordinators, Aaron shared Inspire Citizens’ “service cycle,” which starts with understanding the ‘why’ before taking action. This shift encouraged teachers and students to investigate the purpose and goals of their projects rather than defaulting to monetary solutions.
This approach was revolutionary for AISD’s advisory curriculum. Kaitlyn recalls, “We began focusing on identity and how our individual talents could impact others. It changed how we structured advisory, embedding service learning into our weekly 35-minute sessions.”
By integrating social-emotional learning, a sense of belonging, and service initiatives into a seamless advisory curriculum, the program evolved from fragmented efforts into a cohesive strategy.
Transformative Partnerships in Action
The impact of AISD’s new vision is evident in the variety of projects led by its 19 service learning groups, composed of mixed-grade students from grades six through twelve. These groups now prioritize collaboration and mutual growth over simple philanthropy.
One example is the partnership with the Abinta Kabir Foundation, an all-girls school established in memory of a victim of the 2016 attack. AISD students organize events, such as field days, where the Foundation’s students use AISD’s facilities and engage in enriching activities. Other groups focus on unique challenges, like addressing menstrual health stigma in Bangladesh.
Initially, the menstrual health group struggled with one-sided outreach. “Students realized they were positioned as experts, which wasn’t effective,” Kaitlyn shares. Through reflection, they reimagined their role, focusing on empowering peers in other schools to lead similar initiatives. This evolved into partnerships that prioritize knowledge sharing and support over material aid.
Ssocial-emotional learning, a sense of belonging and service initiatives at AISD are being integrated into a seamless advisory curriculum. In this way, fragmented efforts are being channeled into a cohesive strategy. (image supplied)
Evidence of Change
The cultural shift at AISD is palpable. One sign came during a recent school carnival during which service groups traditionally used the event to raise money. “The PTA noticed no one was signing up for fundraising booths,” Kaitlyn recounts. “That’s because they didn’t need money—they were focused on partnerships and meaningful impact.”
Teachers also experienced the transformation firsthand. Participating in mock service cycles, faculty explored the process of investigation, planning, and partnership. This exercise solidified their understanding of how service learning could be applied meaningfully in their classrooms.
What’s Next?
AISD is still building bridges—between middle and high school students, between local and international partners, and between past and future service paradigms. The school’s new approach exemplifies how service learning can become a platform for connection and transformation, ensuring that the impact is felt by all stakeholders.
With Inspire Citizens’ continuing support, AISD is redefining what it means to serve, demonstrating that true impact is not measured in dollars but in the depth of relationships and shared experiences.
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