From October 23rd to 26th, the Social Impact Team embarked on an inspiring trip to the British School of Guangzhou for the first ever China Regional Social Impact Summit, with several other Nord Anglia schools. We dedicated several days to learning, connecting, and planning for this year’s World Children’s Day (WCD) celebration. It was a meaningful experience that combined teamwork, service, and friendship — all with the goal of making a positive difference in our community.
Throughout the trip, we participated in a series of workshops that helped strengthen our collaboration and creativity. We met new people, made lifelong friends and connections. The workshops encouraged us to see things from new perspectives and focused on team building both within and outside our respective schools.
We started our first day with a fun introduction from the principal of BSG and their Social Impact Lead, which lightened the mood for everyone. Then we proceeded to our first workshop, which focused on learning about ourselves.
The first day was light-hearted and ended with fun and games, helping us connect as a group. We also gave a short presentation on what we loved about our own schools; although it ended humorously, it was very enjoyable. By the end of the first day, we had already grown closer. Laughter filled the room as we tackled group tasks and reflected on how teamwork can transform even the simplest activities into something meaningful.
During our trip, we learned that BSG runs a weekly community service every Saturday—Giving to the Homeless—where they prepare food and essential goods to distribute at 5 a.m. This inspired our community service workshop, where we packaged gift bags for people experiencing homelessness. For this activity, LIS decided to work with one of our sister schools, NAIS. As a team, we worked hard, remained dedicated, and finished strong by filling four boxes.
Each bag was thoughtfully prepared with essential items to bring warmth to those in need. This hands-on activity reminded us that small acts of kindness can have a big impact, and it motivated us to continue serving others through future projects. In the end, with all the schools’ contributions combined, we packaged an impressive 200 bags, which BSG would distribute the following Saturday.
Another session focused on team building, where we, as a school, drew what we thought represented ‘Hope.’ For two hours, we were encouraged to communicate, trust, and showcase our creativity. These exercises helped us understand each other’s strengths and build a strong foundation for our WCD planning. We used art to express positivity and encouragement. Each of us shared our ideas on what ‘hope’ meant, then we brainstormed and drew.
The atmosphere during this workshop was both peaceful and powerful. Everyone focused on spreading warmth through creativity—using colors, symbols, and heartfelt words to share hope. Some drawings carried messages about kindness and courage, while others used bright colors and cheerful images to bring smiles. Through this experience, we realized how art can be more than just expression—it can be a bridge between people, a way to uplift and connect. “Drawing Hope” reminded us that even something as simple as a drawing can touch hearts and make a real difference.
The main purpose of our trip was to plan for World Children’s Day (WCD), one of the most important events in our school calendar. During multiple brainstorming and planning sessions, we discussed how to make this year’s WCD both meaningful and fun for the entire LIS community. We exchanged ideas with different schools for activities, games, and fundraising events that would raise awareness about children’s rights while supporting charities that help kids around the world. Every team member contributed their thoughts, and by the end of our meetings, we had built a strong, creative plan for the event. Our goal is to make World Children’s Day a day of unity—where students, teachers, and families come together to celebrate children’s voices and dreams while giving back to those in need.
Beyond all the work we did, one of the best parts of the trip was the friendships we built along the way. We started as strangers and ended as friends. We played games, shared meals, and spent time laughing together after long workshop sessions. We visited the Guangzhou Tower, where we laughed, took memorable pictures, and enjoyed the scenery. By the end of the trip, we felt connected by shared goals and a common passion for making an impact. Even though we are from different schools, I know we will hold each other in our hearts.
This Social Impact Trip was an inspiring experience that we will never forget. It taught us about leadership, empathy, and teamwork, and showed us the importance of community and compassion. We returned to school with new ideas, stronger friendships, and a deeper sense of purpose.
As we prepare to celebrate World Children’s Day, we are excited to bring everything we learned in Guangzhou back to Léman. We can’t wait to share our ideas and efforts with the whole school community and invite everyone to join us in supporting this important cause.
As we prepare to celebrate World Children’s Day, we are excited to bring everything we learned in Guangzhou back to Léman. We can’t wait to share our ideas and efforts with the whole school community and invite everyone to join us in supporting this important cause.
This trip was more than a school project—it was a journey of hope, learning, and connection. Together, we discovered that even the smallest actions—a kind word, a helping hand, or a colorful drawing—can make a difference in the world.
