By Julie Kelly-Detwiler, Assistant Head of School
Inly is a partnership of children, teachers and families, dedicated to the joyful discovery of each child’s innate capabilities and potential. Our community of learners inspires and nurtures children to become global citizens by embracing the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori, in harmony with other compatible and innovative practices.
—Inly School Mission
Last summer, I ventured to Guatemala with two recent Inly graduates to participate in a two-week service learning program through “Con Los Ojos Abiertos.” This was an exploratory venture—and as such, we weren’t sure what to expect. Our hope was that we would find this program to be up to the Inly standard of engagement, and that the experience would challenge us physically, emotionally, and intellectually. We weren’t disappointed.
Inly Middle School graduates are used to immersing themselves in their learning—wrestling with complex issues, perspective taking, and self-reflection. They love a good challenge, the thrill of adventure, the chance for deep connection, and the growth of mind, heart, and spirit that can only come through inhabiting a whole new world—be it on the sea, on the stage, on the farm, in a new job, or in a foreign culture. So it seemed only right that we begin a new program for our alumni that could keep that unique Inly spirit alive.
A key component of our Inly mission is to “nurture children to become global citizens.” When we talk to our graduates, we see this vision realized. So many of you have participated in international service programs or have studied abroad. You continue to develop the global curiosity you first gained in your study of fundamental needs, your participation in GCAP, MMUN, or the Swedish exchange. We hope that you will join us to travel in our uniquely Inly way to learn and to serve in Guatemala—either this summer or during a summer to come.
Our second Guatemala Service Learning Adventure will take place this summer, June 22–July 5. If you would like to learn more about this experience, please visit the “Con Los Ojos Abiertos” website at http://www.perducoeducation.com/home.php?content_id=81. If you are interested in participating or would like to apply, please let me know via e-mail at jkellydetwiler@inlyschool.org and I can answer any questions you may have, and we can talk about next steps. We will accept applications until February 15, or until spaces are full.
To learn more about the service learning curriculum at Inly, visit:
http://inlyinsights.org/2013/12/12/the-service-learning-curriculum-at-inly/
To read more about last year’s trip to Guatemala, visit the Inly blog posts listed below:
Travel Journal Day One
http://inlyinsights.org/2013/06/26/travel-journal-day-one-a-journey-to-guatemala/
Travel Journal Day Two
http://inlyinsights.org/2013/06/27/travel-journal-day-two-a-journey-to-guatemala/
Travel Journal Day Three
http://inlyinsights.org/2013/06/28/travel-journal-day-three-a-journey-to-guatemala/