ASW Students Deliver Computers to Syrian Refugees in Istanbul

The messages we received from the refugees highlight the joy, hope, and practical opportunities that the donated technology provides. "I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart... for your generous donation of the laptop, which gave me the opportunity to have this conversation. Your kindness and generosity mean so much to me." Another simply stated, "You brought joy to my heart and hearts of my children."

This feedback shows how service learning can effectively impact our students when it’s direct and hands-on, connecting their classroom education to real-world needs. Our students returned with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a fundamentally altered worldview, demonstrating the transformative power of direct service.

"It is no exaggeration to say that this trip changed my life. Hearing the stories of such brave individuals and being able to help them with the laptops was an emotionally profound experience unlike anything I have ever known," said one student.

"Thank you so much. This trip is something I'll never forget, and it made me realize how privileged my life is. Seeing all those people was so amazing and inspiring," wrote one student. Another student added that the opportunity "was an amazing experience that changed my outlook on multiple aspects of my life," added another.

It's not only the students, but also the parents who observed a significant, immediate, and positive shift in their children's maturity and empathy following the trip. One of them noted the difference between abstract news and real interaction: "Meeting Syrian refugees made my daughter realize how different it is to hear numbers on the TV news and to look someone in the eyes. They came back with something more: a perspective and awareness that will stay with them for life."

Another parent expressed gratitude for the powerful learning opportunity: "Thank you for organizing the trip and helping teens learn the value of empathy, kindness, and social responsibility in such a real way."