Civic Responsibility at ACS Athens
Ellen Froustis Vriniotis Coordinator
Educating the whole child and fostering socially responsible attitudes is at the heart of the educational philosophy at ACS Athens. For more than 60 years, ACS students have taken a leadership role in the community and have initiated, organized and participated in local and global community service projects that have benefited the environment, wildlife, refugees, children with special needs or terminal illness, immigrants and fellow citizens in marginalized communities.
Teaching and learning through civic engagement can be instrumental in nurturing students’ personal growth as individuals and as members of a responsible global society.
Last year, Civic Responsibility became one of three accreditation goals to extend classroom learning beyond the traditional textbook and challenge students to confront real world issues, experientially, through service projects in the community. By helping students to develop personal and social responsibility, we are preparing them to take ownership of a world they are a part of, to make ethical decisions for a global society they share with others,and invite themto lead their world and local community with wisdom, compassion, integrity and ethos.
During a recent service projectin the fire ravaged village of Lepreo in the western Peloponese, 10th grade students reforested a burnt portion of a forest, donated 250 olive trees to an elderly woman living in a container after losing all of her her possessions in the fire, and assessed the needs of an elementary school that was in danger from mud and rock slides. During their visit, students tested the water for contaminants and donated their testing supplies to the school so that village youth could periodically test the quality of the water that could endanger residents in the coming months. ACS students then gathered their facts and presented their findingsto local authorities, educators and relief agencies. As a result, negotiations and collaborative efforts with the local authorities are underway to restore the school and create a Cultural and Educational Center for all youth.
These type of service experiences engage students in collaborative work, build critical thinking and decision-making skills, and encourage teamwork and active citizenship. At the same time, civic projectschallenge students' perceptions, attitudes and values as they take action or support decisions that may alter the future of their community. Teaching and learning through civic engagement can be instrumental in nurturing students’ personal growth as individuals and as members of a responsible global society.