This exchange project has been several years in the making. Finally, in 2025, the groundwork was in place, team members recruited and activity planning began. The OIS community quickly saw the needs of the Associação, the opportunities for our students to do authentic service, and the benefits that our students and school receive from being a part of the project.
OUR GOALS
- Providing an opportunity to engage in a creative service project that is meaningful and long-lasting.
- Provide an intercultural experience to encourage cross-cultural understandings through the exchange of ideas, values, customs and traditions
- Build a lasting relationship with students in São Tomé
- Build leadership skills
- Develop time-management skills
THE STORY
Throughout the 2025-26 school year, team members worked to plan activities, develop an understanding of the culture and values of the community in São Tomé. The inaugural meeting was in June 2026, when nine OIS team members spent a week in São Tomé, working with the secondary students there, who participate in the Asso. ciação Kêlê programs. Embraced by the local community members, it was immediately clear that this is destined to become a legacy project that will continue for many years into the future.
The project will begin again in September 2026, when participant selection will begin for the 2026-27 school year. OIS students will have opportunities throughout the year to communicate with Kêlê students and will begin lessons and activities designed to help them develop English skills and exchange cultural ideas. The year will culminate with these OIS participants travelling to São Tomé again for a week of intensive activities.