Headwaters School Learns about Cultures and Life in Malaysia
Students from Headwaters School in Austin, TX, recently returned from their Cultural Immersion and Service-Learning Trip to Singapore and Malaysia.
During their whirlwind 8-day adventure, they explored the multi-cultural neighborhoods of Singapore; learned how immigration and colonialism shaped the historic city of Melaka; climbed the 272 steps at the Batu Caves, a Hindu pilgrimage site; and looked across Kuala Lumpur from the top of the Petronas Twin Towers.
But their favorite part? An unforgettable two-day service learning and peer exchange experience with Dignity for Children, an organization that serves Malaysian and refugee youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. During these two days, Headwaters students got their hands dirty (literally!) working on Dignity for Children’s sustainable and organic farm, and got to experience skills and job-training programs that help young people in Malaysia break the cycle of poverty. Most importantly, they worked alongside and learned from their peers, including at an Iftar dinner to celebrate breaking fast during the month of Ramadan.
Headwaters students say:
“I think the educational experience of going to the farm… was one of the most informative experiences of my life. I got to form bonds with children (who in the US media are often painted as very “different” than American children by virtue of being refugees) that I would never have gotten a chance to otherwise.”
“Hanging out with the kids from Dignity was really cool and interesting!! I learned what people (my age) are like living in Malaysia, and it was really cool.”
“I often experience a very privileged perspective in Austin, and I learned a lot about what it takes to actually help people and how much it can mean.”
To learn more about our customized student trips to Malaysia, email us at programs@spiralinternational.org, and check out our updated informational flyer!
