At Oasis International School – Kuala Lumpur, education reaches far beyond the classroom. EAGLE Week is a powerful, hands-on initiative that empowers students from kindergarten to high school to engage with global issues, serve their communities, and grow as compassionate, informed global citizens.

“I have seen the power of experiential learning,” said Mrs. Sarah Ong. As the middle school service-learning coordinator at Oasis International School – Kuala Lumpur, she believes that “one of the best ways to cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to serve others and the community is to take our learning outside of the classroom and apply it to the real world.”

Coral reef preservation, social enterprise impact, and accessible healthcare for all—these are just a few of the global issues students explored during EAGLE Week at Oasis International School. It was a meaningful and engaging experience that brought learning to life beyond the classroom. Across all divisions—elementary, middle, and high school—students tackled real-world challenges through hands-on activities, local and international service projects, and immersive environmental learning, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Elementary students explored issues related to the environment, health, and education. Through interactive field trips to places like Taman Tugu and Zoo Negara, along with on-campus projects using recycled materials, elementary students learned how to take action as responsible global citizens. Even the youngest learners joined in—Kindergarten students investigated the school’s composting system and discovered how Black Soldier Fly larvae help convert organic waste into useful fertilizer.

In middle school, each grade level took on a unique global issue. Grade 6 addressed “Zero Hunger” by volunteering at a local soup kitchen, serving meals and learning about food insecurity. Later, they headed to Tadom Hill Resort, where rope courses and leadership workshops challenged them to grow in resilience and collaboration.

Grade 7 students explored the themes of Climate Action and Life on Land with an adventurous trip to Gopeng. Through hiking, whitewater rafting, and a visit to a bamboo farm, students learned about environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and the impact of climate change. Their hands-on work with composting and discussions on ecosystems fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Grade 8 students traveled to Dungun and Pulau Tenggol to dive into the theme of Life Below Water. They snorkeled in coral reefs, studied marine ecosystems, and learned about the threats facing ocean life. These firsthand experiences sparked a passion for marine conservation and highlighted the importance of protecting aquatic environments.

High School students ventured across the region, the country, and even internationally to serve and learn. One group traveled to Indonesia for the school’s first international service trip, where they engaged in environmental initiatives and educational outreach at a local school. In Malaysia, students on Tioman Island participated in coral reef regeneration and marine biology workshops.

“EAGLE Week challenged me in ways I hadn’t expected,” said Muhammad Haziq Shamsul Fitri, graduating senior. “I grew by stepping out of my comfort zone to actively engage with conservation work, and the experience sparked a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability in my own life,” explained the senior.

Meanwhile, students who remained in Kuala Lumpur partnered with local organizations for projects focused on society, wellbeing, economy, and sustainability. They worked with refugee schools, implemented health initiatives, supported social enterprises, and launched a rooftop garden project on campus—each action driven by a commitment to meaningful change.

Throughout EAGLE Week, students were challenged to think critically, act compassionately, and contribute purposefully. Whether planting seeds for sustainability, building empathy through service, or discovering the beauty and fragility of marine life, every student played a part in shaping a better world.

EAGLE Week was a transformational time of growth and global citizenship. These shared experiences not only strengthened their understanding of global issues but also deepened their commitment to serving the community around them. At OIS, service learning continues to be a cornerstone of character formation, and the school community looks forward to building on this foundation for years to come.

Click here to learn more about OIS Service Learning. Contact Bekah Dawson at [email protected] for more information.