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.

MS students visited our local food bank, Caritas, to help sort the food that was donated by the ASB community. They learned about the importance of such organizations and how they operate in Barcelona.

The annual Refugart event on April 26 raised a phenomenal 10,794€ to support refugees. These funds will be donated to the UNHCR to support educational programs for youth and children in refugee camps. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Ramassa NGO, which empowers refugee and immigrant women in Barcelona through soccer, including a team that has competed against ASB.

This achievement was made possible by the hard work of all ASB students who created art pieces and the invaluable support from parents who attended and supported the event.

In addition to raising funds for refugees, our student leaders led workshops and art activities throughout the day to help educate ASB students about the refugee experience.

Fifteen high school students traveled to Botswana over Spring Break to visit the Dukwi Refugee Camp with the goal of creating a positive and sustainable impact. Students had an action-packed week helping paint the local youth center, lead robotics and female hygiene awareness workshops and helping create a female soccer team. In addition, students were able to leave behind generous donations made by our ASB community, including robotics equipment and laptops, sports uniforms, cloth sanitary pads and underwear.    

The experience for our students was nothing short of transformative, with deep connections, special moments, and new friendships made.

Through interactive workshops and collaborative activities at neighboring adult-learning center Asproseat, our Grade 9 students partnered with adults with disabilities to refurbish toys for underprivileged children, facilitating collaboration skills and nurturing mutual respect and empathy. Aimed at intertwining their recent genetics studies with empathy and action, the initiative is committed to nurturing compassionate leaders through partnerships with diverse communities.

We are deeply saddened by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected.