Be the Change Week 2024: Empowering Students to Make a Difference

Each year at the International School of Lausanne (ISL), Be the Change Week brings students together for a week of meaningful activities that inspire reflection, foster empathy, and encourage action on important social and environmental issues. As one of the most anticipated events on the ISL calendar, it offers students the chance to deepen their understanding of the world around them and their role in shaping it. This year, every year group participated in activities tailored to build advocacy skills, promote inclusivity, and spark impactful conversations.

Year 7: Speaking Up for Change

Year 7 students addressed concerns raised in a recent DEI audit about peer-to-peer comments and their impact. Through a four-hour ‘Speak Up’ workshop facilitated by trained ISL staff, students learned about the consequences of their actions and how to intervene positively when faced with harmful behaviours. These small-group sessions encouraged students to become proactive upstanders in their community. This training concluded with a film screening of Nimona, which demonstrates the important of being an up-stander. 

 

Year 8: Exploring Ecosystems

Year 8 students collaborated with Primary School peers to deepen their understanding of ecosystems and the human impact on them. Despite the weather limiting participation, one group managed to engage in a forest exploration, identifying biotic and abiotic factors and creating soundscapes to highlight environmental disruptions. Two classes did not go in September, however they managed to undertake their exploration in December.

Year 9: Understanding Neurodiversity

As part of their service-learning programme, Year 9 students explored the topic of learning differences and disabilities. The week began with a screening of Is There Anybody Out There?, a moving documentary about self-acceptance and disability. A workshop titled ‘Shifting Perspectives’, led by Student Support Services, furthered their understanding of ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse experiences. The highlight of the week was a talk by an ISL alumna, Olivia Schlaepfer (Class of 2019), who shared her inspiring story of being diagnosed with autism during university, offering invaluable insight to the students. 
   

Year 10: Advocacy Through Art

For Year 10, creativity took centre stage with a workshop led by UK beatbox champion Danny Ladwa. Students learned to craft powerful messages through rhythm and lyrics, exploring how music can be a tool for advocacy and social change. This session not only taught a new skill but also explore how their chosen art forms can drive awareness and inspire change later in the year. 
  

Year 11: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community

Year 11 students focused on allyship and inclusivity. Building on their summer reading of How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi, they participated in a workshop exploring the process of coming out in the LGBTQIA+ community. Students developed practical strategies to support peers and learned about various organisations offering resources for the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. 
   
   

 

Year 12: Cultivating Empathy and Inclusivity

Year 12 students had the privilege of engaged in a thought-provoking workshop with Léon Salin, a transgender advocate. Léon shared his journey of coming out, encouraging students to ask questions and fostering open dialogue about empathy and inclusivity. The session inspired students to think critically about their roles in creating supportive and understanding communities.

Be the Change Week reflects ISL’s mission to cultivate socially conscious, globally minded students who are ready to lead with empathy and purpose. This week was a reminder that meaningful change begins with awareness and the courage to act. We look forward to seeing how our students carry these lessons into their futures.