BISW Students Support Earthquake Relief Efforts

BISW students coordinated multiple efforts to support earthquake relief in Syria and Turkey.

This term, children from the British International School of Washington coordinated multiple efforts to support disaster relief in the aftermath of earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. The news had an impact on students in both primary and secondary, so they jumped into action and found ways to help.

Year 5 Fundraiser and Donations

When reports of the earthquakes broke, Year 5 was studying "Champions for Change," an International Primary Curriculum topic that looks at historical leaders who took action to make a difference. Much like the people in the IPC topic, the Year 5 children felt inspired to take action, so they held a Valentine's Day dance fundraiser and invited their peers from Years 4 and 6. The event raised around $1,000, which the students used to get items the Turkish embassy had requested.

Later that week, Year 5 walked from the BISW campus through Dumbarton Oaks Park to the Turkish embassy to hand-deliver sleeping bags, blankets, and hand warmers, which the embassy sent to families in the affected regions. The children's hard work even caught the attention of Turkish news outlet Haber Global.

BISW Students Support Earthquake Relief Efforts Donations

BISW Students Support Earthquake Relief Efforts Turkish Embassy

Secondary Bake Sale

Meanwhile, BISW secondary students organized a Valentine's Day bake sale to raise funds for relief efforts. Children from Years 7 to 13 made baked goods at home and sold them during break and lunch. It was an excellent way for the students to have a meaningful impact while using skills from various classes. In the end, our students successfully collected more than $1,200, which they gave to UNICEF to support the agency's humanitarian efforts across Syria and Turkey. The undertaking underscored the importance that our students place on global awareness and collaboration.

BISW Students Support Earthquake Relief Efforts Bake Sale

BISW Students Support Earthquake Relief Efforts Bake Sale 2

BISW Students Support Earthquake Relief Efforts Bake Sale 3

Our students' quick response to the unfolding events in Syria and Turkey was astounding. Along with raising funds, the students raised awareness about the crises and showed the impact we can have when we work with one another. We're proud of our students' efforts and grateful for our community's generosity. Our thoughts are with Syria and Turkey and all affected by the earthquakes.