At Nagoya International School (NIS), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) challenges students to grow not only academically but as compassionate and engaged global citizens. For Grade 11 student Skyla, her CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project has become a testament to her ability to adapt, lead, and make a meaningful difference.
Skyla's own story is quite remarkable. A bicultural Japanese-UK student who grew up in the UK, Skyla joined NIS as a new student this year, eager to immerse herself in her cultural roots. She took on the added challenge of jumping straight into the IBDP—a rigorous academic program with multiple components designed to develop well-rounded individuals. Despite the culture shift and unfamiliar school system, Skyla has thrived, using her CAS project as a vehicle for connection, creativity, and impact.
Finding Passion in Service
When Skyla first met with the CAS coordinator, she was asked a pivotal question: “What are you passionate about?” Reflecting on her active life in the UK—immersed in sports, handicrafts, and baking—Skyla realized how much she loved using her talents to support causes close to her heart. Inspired by her mother’s example of raising awareness and funds for underserved populations, Skyla’s passion for service and creativity became the foundation of her project.
The CAS coordinator and a teacher-mentor introduced her to EJAAD, an organization supporting women in Afghanistan by providing them with resources, training, and opportunities to achieve financial independence. Skyla immediately resonated with EJAAD’s mission to empower women in a society where for no fault of their own, autonomy, education, and the ability to support themselves and their families are limited. With her teachers’ guidance, Skyla began shaping her CAS project to raise funds and awareness for EJAAD, utilizing the three CAS components: Creativity, Action, and Service.
From Idea to Impact
Skyla wasted no time bringing her vision to life. She created a booth at the annual Club Activity Fair, quickly attracting like-minded students to join her initiative. Despite being new to the school and the IBDP, she demonstrated confidence and determination, diving into research about EJAAD and brainstorming creative ways to fundraise.
The first opportunity arose at the school’s Halloween Festival, where Skyla and her club sold homemade cupcakes to raise money. This marked the start of their mission to combine joy, creativity, and impact. The feedback fueled their determination. The Secondary Principal took the time to write a personal email of congratulations and to praise both their successful sales and their positive energy.
Next, the club turned their attention to the NIS Diwali Celebration in November, crafting and selling diyas, traditional tea light decorations. Skyla guided her club members through the process of hand-making clay diyas, which was a new and exciting skill for everyone involved.:
"It was so much fun because it was new to all of us.” Skyla said, reflecting on the experience “We’d never made anything from clay before, and we learned so much along the way. It brought us closer as a group, and we were able to create something meaningful together."
The diya-making activity also became a teaching opportunity. Skyla organized a workshop for primary school students, where younger learners created paper diyas and learned about the significance of Diwali through a presentation prepared by the club. This outreach not only spread awareness about EJAAD but also strengthened the sense of community at NIS.
The momentum continued at the school’s Winter Bazaar, where the club sold a mix of student-made crafts and products created by the women of EJAAD. Through these events, Skyla’s initiative raised funds to support Afghani women while fostering camaraderie and purpose among her peers.
CAS in Action: Skyla’s Leadership
Skyla’s CAS project exemplifies the core values of Creativity, Activity, and Service. She used her creative skills in baking and crafting to design impactful activities, demonstrated action by organizing meetings and events, and committed to service by supporting EJAAD’s mission. Her project has inspired her classmates and raised critical awareness about the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan.
Her leadership shines not only in her organizational abilities but also in her willingness to delegate and empower others. By giving her peers opportunities to lead activities and presentations, she has created a collaborative and inclusive environment within the club.
Read the EJAAD Newsletter
Click on an image below to download a PDF
Looking Ahead
Skyla’s journey with EJAAD is far from over. She envisions expanding the initiative by encouraging other schools in Japan and the UK to establish similar clubs to support EJAAD’s mission. To kickstart this vision, she is working on a bilingual newsletter to share updates and inspire others to join the cause.
Skyla’s CAS project demonstrates the transformative power of combining personal passions with a commitment to service. Through her creativity, leadership, and compassion, she has made a lasting impact on her school community, her peers, and, most importantly, the women supported by EJAAD.
"My mum always taught me that even small actions can create change. Helping others where circumstances are out of their control has always been important to me. EJAAD’s work aligns with my values, and I hope our efforts can make a real difference in the lives of these resilient women."
To learn more about Skyla’s project or subscribe to her bilingual newsletter, please contact her: 26skylas@nis.ac.jp
