I. Background Information
Service Learning & Fundraising
Service is a core part of who we are at CIS, and exemplifies our motto "To Seek and to Serve." The primary purpose of service at CIS is to enrich the learning of our students while helping others and making a positive impact on local communities. We consider service to be an integral part of holistic learning. It provides hands-on, real-world learning that fosters caring members of society while addressing the needs of others. Service breaks down barriers, including differences in age, gender, ethnicity, academic or physical ability, and is something everyone is involved in. Service allows the giver and receiver to benefit equally, even though that benefit may be of a completely different nature. It is through service we develop empathy, cultivate an attitude of gratitude, gain knowledge of real needs in the community, use and hone our individual strengths and take action.
At CIS, we see that fundraising is inextricably linked to service learning, which is most frequently linked to the UNSDGs.
In Primary School, year-levels may engage in service related fund-raising. Additionally, the Primary Student Council may initiate and lead Primary-wide fundraising efforts. In Secondary, fundraising efforts are led by a range of different Secondary student service groups. See more detailed information about Service Learning at CIS here. A calendar of service events and activities can be found here.
It is important to note that students and faculty sponsors involved in fundraising and the collection of money must adhere to the school’s policies and the guidelines published by the Education Bureau.
Our Partners
Currently, CIS enjoys strong relationships with 25 NGOs in Hong Kong that serve a variety of underserved communities and causes around Hong Kong. Our long-established partnerships relate to all of the UNSDGs. Our partners include but are not limited to:
Speak out! (ELCHK)
IBEL (Integrated Brilliant Education Limited)
SPLASH Foundation
Society of Community Organisations (SoCo)
Feeding HK
Playright
In general, CIS strives for continuity with all of our existing partners and is not aiming to add new partners to our program. In the limited cases that a new partnership is proposed, students and the Direct of Whole School Service Learning discuss and reflect on the following before coming to a decision about the proposed partnership:
1. Do we have a partner doing the same thing?
2. Do we have a contact at this NGO?
3. Will this NGO be willing to come in and run training sessions with our students?
4. Do they offer volunteer opportunities?
5. How long have they been operational for?
6. Read through the Impact report.
Examples of Fundraising Events/Activities
Each year a range of fundraising events and activities take place. Which events/activities take place depends on the students’ power and passion.
Below are some examples of fundraising activities and events:
1. Students for Science CCA with Primary
2. Debate Society CCA with Primary
3. Debate competitions
4. STEM Workshop - deconstructing phone
5. Arcade-style games in Atrium
6. Virtousity Fashion Show
7. Battle of the Bands
II. The Fundraising Process
Before students get started:
Ensure that the fundraising activity is active, utilising students’ power and passion and is not passive
Ensure the proposed fundraising activities are safe and supportive of healthy eating and student well-being
Ensure, as far as possible, the proposed fundraising activities should be carbon neutral
Ensure the proposed fundraising activities will be supervised by the sponsoring faculty member
Ensure the participants in the proposed fundraising activities have completed a Fundraising Request Form
Ensure that participants have met with the Director of Whole School Service Learning
Ensure all fundraising applications have been approved by the Director of Whole School Service Learning
Ensure the Director of Student Life and the Student Council of Primary and/or Secondary are aware of the proposed fundraising activities. (The Council may assist in promoting the event or integrate fundraising into one of its social events.)
Work with CIS staff to ensure the CIS parent community is appropriately notified and communicated with regarding the sponsors of the event, details, purpose and beneficiary of the funds raised
Ensure any posters to be posted around the school are attached to the Fundraising Request Form
Ensure the fundraising application is submitted a minimum of 14 days in advance of the proposed event
Planning
Student advocates meet with their faculty sponsor in the first instance
Students and their faculty sponsor complete the application form together
It is recommended that outside companies not be used by students; the Director of Whole School Service Learning may clear exceptions
Activities do not have to follow a ‘business’ model. Experiential activities that encourage and promote community, creativity and physical fitness are strongly encouraged
Student groups are encouraged to work together
As part of the application process, students must provide documentary proof of the status of the beneficiary organisation, as well as the needs that they are seeking to address.
The organisation must be made aware of and support the students’ proposal as well as commit to providing an impact report for CIS.
The school community (including parents) must made fully aware of the purpose and intent behind the activity
Review of Fundraising Activity Applications
When any fundraising activities are reviewed for approval, the Director of Whole School Service Learning evaluates the proposal in relation to the proposed beneficiary to determine:
The fundraising activity application is also reviewed in relation to our three main criteria for service learning at CIS:
Local - The project is focused on the immediate community (CIS, Hong Kong, China).
Active - The project involves hands-on work, more than just planning, meeting and fundraising. The action requires participants to have face-time with the beneficiaries throughout the life of the project.
Sustained - The project meets at least 2-4 times a month for at least 3+ months.
Timing Of Fundraising Activities
In relation to Secondary School, with the exception of dress casual days, fundraising activities should ideally take place on Fridays during the school year, however, there is room for flexibility and dates are to be discussed with the Director of Whole School Service Learning.
In relation to Secondary School, the end of the school week allows students to promote their work at year assemblies during Flexi Time and in school bulletins. The advocacy work that students do is deemed to be an essential and key aspect of the experiential education that these activities provide.
Handling of Funds
Faculty sponsors are responsible for depositing all monies collected through fundraising activities with either Ms. Catherine Yiu in the Student Affairs Office (331) for Secondary or Ms. Portia Wong in the Primary Office (250) for Primary.
Ms. Yiu or Ms. Wong will deposit the funds in the Business Office, which will direct all funds into the account of the beneficiary organization.
A receipt will be sent to the students via their faculty sponsor.
Afterwards
Students and their faculty sponsor are responsible for reporting back to the school community, via school bulletins, on the success of the fundraising experience.
The statement should list the income raised, for example, the cost of tickets, posters etc.
Community communications may celebrate the success of the activity by posting details on social media.
This protocol, including any updates, is to be made available for reference in the student, teacher and parent handbooks.
Last updated: June 2024