Dwight Students Pursue Global Education and Community Service in Kenya on Spring Break

NEW YORK, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from The Dwight School are in Kenya for a community service and immersion trip, illustrating Dwight's dedication to educating global leaders. This experience aligns with the School's three pillars: global vision, community service and personalized learning.

This is the third year that Dwight students are visiting The Women's Institute for Secondary Education and Research (WISER) School in Muhuru Bay. Dwight forged a WISER partnership in 2009 when students raised $1,000, enabling one girl to attend WISER's secondary boarding school; they have since sent 15 girls.

"Dwight students work hard to raise funds," explained Director of Dwight School Operations and Events Libby Clark, who previously chaperoned students on this trip. "Going to Kenya deepens their connection to Muhuru Bay girls. When you share meals, help build a community garden to feed their families, and experience the challenges of their daily lives, a charitable project becomes a personal commitment."

In Kenya, Dwight students are creating a WISER library, attending classes, tutoring primary school children, and visiting an HIV/AIDS clinic.

"At Dwight, we're educating the global leaders of tomorrow, and the students in Kenya are well on their way. Each year, we offer students learning, exchange and community service experiences abroad designed to ignite a passion — 'spark of genius' — for making significant contributions to the wider world," said Principal Dianne Drew.

While these students are in Kenya (follow them at kenya.dwight.edu), Dwight's varsity baseball team will be in the Dominican Republic for spring training, further illustrating the School's dedication to global education. Enriched by these experiences, Dwight graduates will matriculate next fall at leading institutions, including Harvard, Yale, MIT and Notre Dame.

About The Dwight School

Established in 1872, Dwight is an independent school in Manhattan. The first school in the US to adopt the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from Pre-K-12th grade, it's the flagship campus of The Dwight Family of Schools, which includes campuses in London, Vancouver Island, Beijing, China and Seoul, opening in fall 2012. Learn more at www.dwight.edu.

About WISER

The Women's Institute for Secondary Education and Research is a Kenyan NGO working in partnership with Duke University's Global Health Institute to improve education, economic and health outcomes for girls.   

SOURCE The Dwight School