from classrooms to communities
THE EDHEC AND AHAH GLOBAL IMPACT
SEPTEMBER 27, 2024
What if university schooling left the confines of whiteboards, screens and projectors, and took place where it’s most needed, in real-world settings?
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) has partnered with France’s EDHEC Business School to integrate volunteering into the university’s Global Impact Projects, where students will step out of the classroom to participate in practical, hands-on international volunteer work as part of their curriculum.
We caught up with three EDHEC students as they reflected on their transformative experiences on AHAH programs, offering a glimpse into how this unique integration of academic learning and practical volunteer work can make a real impact.
Global Impact Projects offers EDHEC business students 10 to 24 weeks to participate in a charitable program and gain international experience through partnerships with organizations such as AHAH. This type of hands-on global learning is innovative in business education by providing students with invaluable experiences that go beyond the classroom.
By engaging in impactful missions, such as those with AHAH, students apply their academic knowledge in practical settings while developing their skills in problem-solving, leadership and cross-cultural communication. These immersive experiences prepare them for the complexities of the global business environment, engaging a deeper understanding of social responsibility and making meaningful contributions to communities in need.
“This fits in perfectly with our school’s slogan, “Make an Impact”. These volunteering experiences enable students to develop practical skills while raising their awareness of social and environmental realities, encouraging them to become agents of change.”
Milédy de Vlieger, EDHEC student
AHAH will see up to 30 EDHEC students volunteering across our programs yearly. This year, we were delighted to have students begin joining us in Florida, Hawaii and the Philippines, where they rolled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty and returned home with new experiences, valuable perspectives and meaningful connections.
Let’s hear from our three EDHEC students: Milédy, Julian and Gebril.
MILÉDY
Milédy, known as Mimi, is a management student at EDHEC Business School and a first-time volunteer in Fort Myers, Florida. She was motivated to help residents rebuild after Hurricane Ian after hearing about AHAH’s mission and programs during a school presentation.
She was hard at work repairing hurricane-damaged homes, treating mold, installing flooring and assisting families in need by distributing groceries at the local food bank.
Mimi developed practical construction skills and learned a new approach to teamwork thanks to her time in Fort Myers, seeing this experience as a stepping stone to a future where she can combine her business education with meaningful social impact. She was struck by the profound sense of purpose found in disaster relief work, and that the business sector has a crucial role in developing solutions that directly impact the lives of those in need.
“One of the most memorable moments was the smile and heartfelt hugs from a grandmother whose house we had repaired. Her gratitude and warm welcome, even at 7 a.m., was deeply moving. What’s more, whenever we went to the stores to buy materials, or when we were out and about in town, people recognized us and came to thank us and shake our hands. These moments of spontaneous appreciation show just how important our work is to the community.”
Milédy
According to Mimi, this surely won’t be her last volunteer experience.
JULIAN
Julian joined AHAH in Maui, Hawaii, helping survivors of the devastating wildfires in August 2023. He supported the community in meeting immediate needs by building multipurpose units, distributing clothing and helping to prepare over 500 hot meals a day. Starting as a volunteer, Julian quickly advanced to team leader, where he was responsible for guiding teams on various projects. Soon after, he took on the role of Base Manager, overseeing operations and ensuring that the volunteer base ran smoothly. Although these roles are still volunteer positions, they come with added leadership responsibilities, allowing him to have a more direct impact on the community and the team’s success.
“Participating in AHAH’s mission has taught me the importance of respectful and sustainable international support for communities. It’s not just about providing material goods, but accompanying communities in a spirit of mutual respect.”
Julian
Julian’s volunteering experience with AHAH added an essential human dimension to his educational pursuits, finding it complementary to his business-focused training. After his experience in Maui, he realized that social responsibility and community well-being are equally as important as financial success, and that the way we achieve our goals is just as significant as the goals themselves.
GEBRIL
Gebril volunteered with AHAH in the Philippines, where he was motivated to help make a difference in the region’s heightened vulnerability to typhoons and cyclones. Gebril was part of the AHAH team building a sustainable, disaster-resilient school.
What made the project especially impactful for him was its collaborative approach, where local workers are employed and trained in sustainable building techniques. While on program, he even picked up the local dialect, Pisaya. Gebril believes this hands-on experience is invaluable for developing future leaders and has deepened his understanding of the pivotal role NGOs play in supporting communities affected by disasters.
“The world is waiting for you! We all need to work for a cause, whatever it may be, to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.”
Gebril
The partnership between EDHEC Business School and AHAH shows how education and humanitarian efforts can come together to create meaningful change. These projects give students the opportunity to make a tangible difference in communities affected by disasters while growing into future leaders who will carry these lessons forward in their careers.
At AHAH, we are immensely grateful for the dedication of our volunteers. Without the passion and hard work of individuals like these students, we wouldn’t be able to make the lasting impacts that we do. Together, in team with our volunteers, we are rebuilding homes, schools and, most importantly, hope in communities around the world.
