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Giving back

Our heritage is deeply rooted in humanitarian work. Students of all ages initiate and participate in humanitarian efforts throughout the year. From bake sales to school-wide events, IIL exposes students to the idea that everyone can make a difference.

A humanitarian philosophy. The IIL community is attentive to encouraging, promoting and valuing the commitments of each person, in order to live the values that animate the schools founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph. We lead each individual such that they take their rightful place in contributing to the building of a better world.

“Always opt for the gift of yourself”

P. Jean-Pierre Médaille
Students experience this in particular through:
  • A state of mind that favours mutual help, sharing, cooperation and collaboration between all.
  • Multiple solidarity projects for which the students come together with heart and dynamism.

In this way, everyone can become rich, not from what they possess but from what they accept to give and share. This is a means of possessing true wealth – that of a generous heart, the guarantee of a fully successful life.

How to give of ourselves to those in need

Each year, the students take part in different solidarity projects. Among these projects, at least one is destined for a community of the Sisters of St. Joseph, according to specific needs.

The other projects may respond to an initiative supported by a few pupils or a class, either due to a humanitarian emergency linked to current events or due to a desire to bring help to an association selected by the students.

We always give these projects the widest possible dimension so as to involve as many students as possible.

Cook and succeed together, a project by IIL students

In 2021, Ines, Julia, Noemi and Elisa came up with a solidarity project consisting in preparing and distributing meals to the homeless people in Geneva. After careful consideration of the various challenges to be met, particularly logistical ones, the project was launched, and meals were prepared and distributed on a Saturday in May 2022. Given the success of the initiative and the actual demand, the students decided to carry on with the project.

Since then, volunteer students, parents and school staff have been coming to the school to prepare about 100 meals one Saturday per month. IIL provides the kitchen and equipment while the students decide on the menus and quantities with the help of the school canteen manager. All ingredients are supplied by donations from parents and students. To assist in reaching the homeless in Geneva, the four students turned to the Caravane de Solidarité, a Geneva-based charity created in 2015 that helps people in need. Transport and distribution are provided by IIL volunteers. This wonderful project is now sustainable and is part of the school’s regular charity projects.

Collecting donations for various associations

During the major events of the school year (Christmas market, St. Joseph’s celebration, annual school fair, etc.), collections are organised on campus for local associations operating in the Canton of Geneva or internationally. These include Crayons Copains, La Carte Blanche, La Virgule, Gift Box Project and the Don du Chœur.

CAS students committed to humanitarian projects

An essential part of the IB – International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme is the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component, which aims to balance traditional academic activities with opportunities for students to take initiative, learn from experience and develop a sense of accomplishment. As part of this process, students regularly engage and contribute in IIL’s charity projects.