What does service mean to us and our community? - written by Mr Charlie Park. At Hanova, taking action by serving in the community goes beyond offering help; it is the process of turning learning into meaningful practice. Students apply the knowledge and values gained in the classroom to real-life contexts, recognizing their ability to create positive change within their communities and beyond.
Service is a vital educational experience that nurtures responsibility and a commitment to give back to society. Through these opportunities, students understand that personal growth is connected to the well-being of others, developing empathy, respect, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Hanova views service as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time activity. Importantly, the school not only encourages student involvement but also takes action as a responsible educational community—actively participating in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and supporting organizations in need through fundraising and donation efforts. Together, these practices foster a culture of service and ensure that education makes a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
What is Service in DP CAS? - written by Mrs Alexandra Alvarez. Service is a central strand of CAS—which stands for Creativity, Activity, Service—that encourages DP students to engage meaningfully with authentic needs in our school, their communities and the wider world. Through Service, students apply their skills, knowledge, and personal interests to make a positive difference while developing empathy, responsibility, and global awareness. Service in CAS goes beyond acts of charity; it is also a learning process rooted in collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Regular reflection allows students to examine their thoughts, feelings, and actions, helping them gain deeper insight into themselves and the impact of their service. Through demonstration, students share what they have learned and achieved, and strengthen their understanding of the impact of positive actions.
CAS Service can take many forms, and students are encouraged to engage in a range of meaningful experiences. These include direct service, where students interact face-to-face with people or the environment; indirect service, where the benefit is delivered without direct contact but with a clear impact; advocacy, where students raise awareness or promote action on issues of public interest; and research, where students gather and analyse information to deepen understanding and promote changes in practices. Exploring different types of service allows students to develop diverse skills and a broader appreciation of how to create positive changes.
DP students have worked on meaningful Service-related experiences and projects ranging from volunteering at the Xi’an Korean School; holding a fundraising bake sale for WeForShe; a Movember Awareness fundraising campaign; fundraising for Xi’an’s “Warrior Warehouse”; volunteering at a Taoist temple; and more. In every experience, through thoughtful planning, action, reflection, and demonstration, CAS Service empowers students to become compassionate, engaged, and active contributors to their communities and the wider world.
MYP Service as Action - written by Ms Lydia Song. Service as Action (SA) aims to apply and demonstrate what MYP students have learned in real life. For teachers, service learning is intentionally used as a teaching approach and integrated into the curriculum. At Hanova, we begin with curriculum-based activities and try to increase opportunities to encourage student-initiated action.
SA experiences for Hanova’s students have, over the years, included school and sport events; art showcases; peer-to-peer teaching projects; unit projects and exhibitions; poster campaigns; MUN; and more. Looking ahead, our vision for SA is to highlight the connection between the school-based curriculum and the care students have for their community, empowering them to turn learning into meaningful actions.
Service through corporate Social Responsibility - written by Mr Charlie Park. Hanova actively carries out a range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to strengthen its connection with the local community. One such effort took place on Friday, January 30, when a service activity was held at the Agape institution, organized by the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Xi’an (Xi’an Korean Association) and supported by several partner organizations, including Hanova.
During the visit, we went directly to the center where youth with disabilities live and learn, donating a variety of items including rice, tangerines, apples, kimbap, fried chicken, and daily necessities. Beyond delivering donations, we shared a meal, listened to their stories, and spent meaningful time together enjoying activities and talent performances the students had prepared.
The institution provides education and practical opportunities that help young people with disabilities grow into independent members of society as they transition into adulthood. Notably, they also operate their own booth at Hanova school events, offering them additional valuable opportunities to develop independence and a sense of responsibility.
Building on this spirit of community service, Hanova also participated in another CSR activity on Friday, March 6 at the Shaanxi Regression Children Assistance Center (陕西回归儿童救助中心). This institution provides a supportive community for young people who are unable to receive adequate care from their families, offering them a safe environment where they can live together, grow, and receive guidance for a healthy and positive future.
Through these CSR activities, Hanova continues to work alongside local partners to bring practical support and hope to communities in need, while strengthening meaningful connections within the broader Xi’an community.
