Service Learning News

This summer, 16 of our high school students, accompanied by ASB staff members Ms. Marta Vernet and Mr. Daniel Whitehair, embarked on a life-changing service-learning journey to Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon. Partnering with medical doctors from Michigan State University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, our students served as translators, crucial in providing essential medical care to residents. This experience enriched their understanding of global service and fostered deep connections that will last a lifetime.

In collaboration with the Peruvian Navy, the ASB team brought 42 orphaned girls from a remote jungle orphanage to receive medical care—some of whom were being seen by doctors for the first time. An ASB student also developed a reading test in Barcelona, allowing them to deliver 60 pairs of reading glasses in Iquitos.

All together, MSU doctors and ASB students saw 1,507 patients, 40% of them children, during their two-week stay in Peru. Beyond medical care, the team trained nearly 150 girls as part of the Days for Girls health program.

The trip had a profound impact on our students. Eleventh grader Nils Oro said "The Peru mission was such a great experience! I enjoyed every single minute of it, from helping the doctors and the medical students in the clinic, to all the fun activities we did after working. It was fascinating learning about the local culture as well as how the traditions from Amazonian Peru and the economic level of the people impact their overall life. It really opened my eyes to understand just how lucky we are to be living the life that we have. I can say that this mission was one of the greatest experiences of my life."

Over the past six years, nearly 100 ASB students have volunteered for this mission, collectively impacting the lives of over 14,000 patients. We are immensely proud of their dedication and their profound impact on the community.