Service Learning

Service learning is a central part of life at HMA. The service learning programs, which are student designed and led, allow students to experience the joy of making a difference for others and strengthen our connections with our neighbors. 

Below is a partial list of active service learning programs:

• Elementary School Service Learning. Teaching classes in Amharic, English, math and science to 25 area children on campus four days a week, and engaging them in projects designed for exploration and fun. This group’s stated objective is to “show the children that there are more things in the world to explore than they see in their immediate surroundings”.  HMA students and staff regularly spruce up the school the elementary students attend. 

• Habesha Aregawi. Supporting elderly individuals at the Habesha Aregawi home through personal engagement and with clothing and food contributions. Students visit the elders four times a week to offer assistance as needed.

• Rise for Refugees. Supporting 6th and 7th grade level refugee students by providing weekly math, English, science, and design tutorials. Engaging with the students through community building activities and fundraising to purchase school supplies.

• Robotics. Deepening technology and specifically robotics skills by designing and teaching a weekly robotics class for a group of 15 local middle school students. 

• Forestry/Sustainability. Practicing sustainable farming and promoting a greener environment through helping tend campus vegetable gardens and apple orchard. Working to reduce waste and repurposing it into meaningful items such as flower-pots and classroom decorations.