South East Asian Regional Scholarship

by | Nov 27, 2024 | Announcements, South East Asian Regional Scholarship | 0 comments

The SEAR Scholarship is presented annually to two deserving students from the Southeast Asian region, initially being granted to students of Burmese origin entering Grade 11 at KIS. These students are recognized for their exceptional personal character, outstanding academic achievements, and unwavering determination to overcome challenges. The scholarship seeks individuals who not only strive for personal success but also demonstrate a profound commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.

This scholarship has been initiated by KIS Alumna Ms. Maureen Aung-Thwin (’66) in loving memory of her mother, Margaret Aung-Thwin, a dedicated educator and former KIS faculty member. It embodies the spirit of perseverance, academic excellence, and commitment to community values that Mrs. Aung-Thwin exemplified throughout her life.

Margaret Aung-Thwin’s legacy as an educator and translator is deeply ingrained in the SEAR Scholarship. Her multifaceted career spanned various countries and cultures, reflecting a life dedicated to education and cultural exchange. She was the first of fourteen children born to John F. Hodgson and Naw Thet Po, and she pursued her education with a BA and B.Ed from Judson College in Rangoon and an M.A. from SUNY Cortland. A Fulbright Exchange Scholar, she taught in various international settings, including schools in Rangoon, Kodaikanal, and Cornell University, and led adult education programs for the Miccosukee Native American community in Florida. Her significant contribution to Burmese literature, particularly through her translation of Ma Ma Lay’s “Not Out of Hate,” highlights her dedication to bridging cultural divides through education.

This scholarship is not merely a financial grant; it is an invitation to join a community that values educational excellence, cultural understanding, and a commitment to improving the world. It is a tribute to the enduring impact of a remarkable educator and a testament to the power of education to change lives.

The scholarship will be granted to a female student entering KIS in Grade 11, and preference will be given to applicants with a family income that is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses at KIS. The award will provide a scholarship of USD 10,000 to a Grade 11 student for each year of their study at KIS in the Diploma Program.

The KIS Scholarship Fund

by | Nov 27, 2024 | The KIS Scholarship Fund | 0 comments

Initiated by Kodai Woodstock International, the Kodaikanal International School Scholarship Fund, formerly the KFI Global Citizen Scholarship Fund, was established during Kodaikanal International School’s (KIS) centennial year celebrations and has grown over the years to allow families in financial difficulty or from diverse backgrounds to send their children to KIS, providing them with an opportunity to receive a world-class education.  To be eligible for a scholarship, candidates must demonstrate both financial need as well as academic excellence. 

There are a number of scholarships KFI supports each year under this program, including the STEM Scholarship, The Presbyterian Church (USA) Award and the Dennis Lettenmaier Award.

The KIS STEM Scholarship for Women is awarded to a young woman entering KIS in Grade 11 with demonstrated academic excellence; an ambition to pursue studies and a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math with a commitment to serve her community.

The KIS STEM Scholarship for Women was originally initiated in 2021 by KIS Alumna Ms. Anuja Master Bose in memory of her mother Dr. Kunjlata Kothary Master, who was a talented and motivated trailblazer in the field of Science. Ms. Anuja Master Bose graduated from KIS in 1989 and served on the KIS Board of Council Members, deeply involved in the development of the School and supporting its mission and vision.

In 2023, this Scholarship has been made possible due to the generous contributions of Ms. Anita Khaldy, KIS Alumna (Class of 1982) in honor of her parents Mr. Sam Alphonso and Mrs. Rita Alphonso. The scholarship is for two years, granted to a female student entering KIS in Grade 11. Preference will be given to applicants with a family income that is not sufficient to cover all education-related expenses at KIS.

The Dennis Lettenmaier Scholarship contribution has been made possible through a 5-year recurring donation by Dennis Lettenmaier in memory of his mother and alumna Bernice Lettenmaier. The scholarship is aimed to part support a student who is likely to excel academically and one who can contribute to public service, artistic or athletic life of the school. The applicant must be an Indian citizen with eligibility independent of gender and religion. The applicant must show a will to succeed, critical thinking ability, leadership skills and perseverance in the face of challenges. 

The outcome will be that the recipient acquires a well-rounded personality and excels academically, in his community service contributions and as a leader. Our commitment has been to offer a holistic education to students across the world who are unable to afford such an education. The scholarship would address the issue of unmet financial need which includes limited family income or funds not sufficient to cover education related expenses and for supporting deserving students in their success in life.

SEE Department Priorities Program

by | Nov 27, 2024 | SEE Department Priorities Program | 0 comments

The Social & Environment Experience Department (SEED) Priorities Program was established in recognition of a cherished classmate, Maj StormoGipson (’74), who left the world too soon. 

Through the Social and Environmental Experience Department (SEED), KIS actively engages in initiatives that foster meaningful interactions between the students and the Kodai community, mutually enriching both parties. By integrating real-world experiences, the KIS Social Experience program blends comprehensive classroom teaching with a variety of community-oriented programs and activities. Participating in this program not only helps students to engage thoughtfully with others and respect the natural world, but it also prepares them to be responsible local and global citizens.

The objectives of the SEE Department Priorities Program is to accelerate experimentation and learning to achieve the KIS Social and Environment Experience Department (SEED) learning priorities. This would include the curricula-related priorities as well as other capacity building priorities, including staff training.

Environment And Humanity

by | Nov 27, 2024 | Environment and Humanity | 0 comments

Center for Environment and Humanity

Located in the Palani Hills—a biodiversity hotspot in the southern Western Ghats— The Kodaikanal International School (KIS) Center for Environment and Humanity (CEH) is dedicated to fostering environmental awareness, education, and action in Kodaikanal and its surrounding communities. The CEH aims to engage students, local residents, visitors, and decision-makers in understanding the unique ecology of the Palani Hills, the threats it faces, and the sustainability practices necessary for local and global environmental protection. The CEH offers experiential learning programs, research opportunities, and leads community-driven conservation projects, all designed to develop practical solutions to pressing environmental issues. Some of the important programs run by the center include waste management, regenerative agriculture, climate change and biodiversity.    

The CEH works with local experts such as farmers, scientists, researchers, civic organizations, and official agencies to identify solutions to issues facing the Palni Hills bioregion. The CEH also recognizes the relationship between ecological and social processes, and seeks to promote more sustainable ways for humans to interact with their environment. The aim is to integrate environmental consciousness into government policies, private institutions, schools, and individual lifestyles. 

In the long term, the plan is to enhance the CEH at Swedish Hill with a focus on transforming it into a world-class environmental research and education facility. Key components include major renovations to the existing heritage building and minimal new construction designed to improve both sustainability and functionality, prioritizing environmentally-focused and student-centered infrastructure improvements to create a campus that is self-sufficient. Beyond serving as a hub for learning and collaboration, the campus will function as a living demonstration of sustainable building and land management, showcasing energy, water, and waste independence in Kodaikanal. The upgraded facility will feature a visitor center, indoor and outdoor learning spaces, an environmental science lab, a conference hall, and accommodation for up to 40 students. 

The installation of solar photovoltaic panels above the auditorium and cafeteria, along with solar gazebos and solar-integrated skylights at the visitor center, will showcase renewable energy solutions in action. These technologies will not only reduce the campus’s carbon footprint but also serve as a model of sustainable energy use for the community. The natural wastewater treatment and reuse system will further minimize environmental impact, providing a live demonstration of how to manage resources efficiently and sustainably, contributing to environmental protection.

The Biodiversity Research and Learning space will be the heart of learning at CEH and will include an environmental science lab, biodiversity exhibits and training rooms, and a library. It will enable CEH to host deep dive workshops and courses that empower students and the local community. The library will provide access to valuable research, and the biodiversity exhibit will serve as an interactive space for learning about the rich flora and fauna of the region, promoting conservation awareness. The science lab will be a hub for hands-on environmental research and experimentation providing practical skills and contributing to ongoing conservation efforts in the Palani Hills.

The CEH has crafted the Indian Climate Experience, a comprehensive and immersive exhibition that weaves together science, culture, civic engagement, and technology. This experience is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the profound impacts of climate change, both globally and specifically in Kodaikanal. Through interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and thought-provoking installations, the Indian Climate Experience showcases the progress and lessons learned from climate action in the Palani Hills, India, and beyond. Highlights include “Life in a Forest,” featuring camera trap footage of local wildlife, and a bicycle-powered wind turbine that demonstrates alternative energy. The exhibit will be housed on the ground floor of the CEH, a 2,200-square-foot open-concept space.

Fund a Need

by | Nov 27, 2024 | Fund a Need | 0 comments

Fund a Need is a “where needed” fund which enables KFI to support projects, programs and scholarships beyond the restricted funds programs. KFI’s administrative expenses and support for KIS fundraising efforts also fall under this fund basket.

This fund basket is also used to support new initiatives at KIS as well as community projects that KIS prioritizes.  Through our Social and Environmental Experience department (SEED), KIS actively engages in initiatives that foster meaningful interactions between students and the Kodai community, mutually enriching both parties. By integrating real-world experiences, the KIS Social Experience program blends comprehensive classroom teaching with a variety of community-oriented programs and activities. These activities contribute significantly to the local community in a varied and meaningful way.

KIS strives to be a school the world needs. It is through engagement with the community and concern for its well-being that KIS can make a positive difference.