Seventh Graders recently learned about service learning first-hand from organization founders and high school students who started their own community programs. Students gathered in the 7th Grade Porch to listen to a panel, moderated by Ms. Patel and Ms. Butterman, featuring Asmeret Behre Lumax, Founder & Executive Director of One Love Community Fridge; Mina Takahashi, Co-founder of Open Catskills, a community support organization for refugees; and 15-year-old twins Samsara and Soyinka Locoh-Donoh, students from the United Nations International School and Youth Ambassadors of Future of Africa.

The siblings, who are part Ghanian, remarked how they felt a responsibility to return to Ghana and give back to people who were not as privileged as they are. Ms. Behre Lumax said she founded her community fridge during covid because she felt food insecurity was a paramount concern. “Consistent, small actions lead to big changes,” she said. Meanwhile, Ms. Takahashi was inspired to host local refugees after reading “The Good Immigrant” and learning about immigrants’ issues and experiences. “This work is so much about community building,” said Ms. Takahashi. Samsara noted that she and Soyinka were able to connect with Ghanaian youth through their shared heritage and similar age. “Our reward was the relationship we built with the kids,” she said.

This forum was inspired by D-E parent Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo, who spoke with 7th Graders in January about the business she created as a result of her service-learning work. “She helped inspire the kids to think about their identities, their values, and the impact they want to make on the community,” said Ms. Patel. “We are hoping to use this [opportunity] as a springboard for service-learning initiatives for the future.”