St. Mary’s International School is preparing for a service trip to Takukot Village, Nepal, scheduled for 2027. Students will visit Maikot Secondary School, where they will take part in construction and community-based projects. The trip is led by Mr. Douglas and supported by student organizers, including Keita (‘28), as part of a broader effort to expand service opportunities at the school.
The project is organized in partnership with Courts for Kids, a U.S.-based nonprofit that connects schools with communities in need of infrastructure support. The core project involves building a basketball court at Maikot Secondary School. Courts for Kids specializes in constructing basketball courts in underserved communities worldwide. St. Mary’s students will work alongside local community members to build a concrete court that can serve as a multi-use athletic facility for years to come.
Funding for the trip will come partly from this year’s Grade 6 Walkathon, which raised approximately 500,000 yen. The event brought together the school community and provided the financial foundation for the project. These funds will go toward travel and construction materials needed to support the work at Maikot Secondary School.
Mr. Douglas explained that one of the main goals of the trip is to reintroduce meaningful service experiences for students, something that has been limited in recent years. While no prior construction experience is required, students are expected to be open to challenges. Participants will be living and working in conditions that differ significantly from what they are used to, requiring adaptability and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones.
Ultimately, the trip is intended to broaden students’ perspectives. Mr. Douglas hopes participants will return with a greater understanding of the world and a stronger sense of connection beyond their immediate community. By working alongside local students and contributing to a lasting project, the experience aims to leave a meaningful impact on both groups.
