Editor’s note: Aubrey Kreider is the director of marketing and communications at Lancaster Mennonite School. Lancaster Mennonite School has been partnering with International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) since 1974 and at least 19 participants have been assigned there as teaching assistants in various grades. Top photo: Dianny Julieth Nazarit Valencia (IVEP 2024-2025 participant from Colombia) teaches Spanish in Lancaster Mennonite School’s pre-K program in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. LMS photo/Aubrey Kreider
Over the years, Lancaster Mennonite School (LM) has welcomed numerous participants from the International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP), each bringing their unique perspectives, talents and cultures into the heart of our school community. Rooted in our mission to cultivate global citizens and build bridges of peace, our continued commitment to IVEP reflects our desire to shape students who are not only academically strong but also rooted in Christ, culturally aware and compassionate.
One of the guiding motivations for hosting IVEP participants has been the opportunity it provides for students to build meaningful relationships with people from around the world. These interactions create space for authentic learning about global service, hospitality and faith.
“We want our students to interact with people from all over the world and see the value of volunteer service,” said Lindsay Carson, LM elementary principal.
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“When they see someone who has volunteered for a whole year, that’s motivating. It shows them what it looks like to live out your faith in service to others.”
The presence of IVEPers supports language and cultural learning in deeply integrated ways. Whether through assisting in Spanish Immersion classrooms, teaching about their country and career path, or sharing in chapels, these volunteers have helped LM live into its vision of cultivating globally-minded, bridge-building students. Even our youngest learners have benefited—through song, play and story—in their early exposure to cultural diversity and language development.
Beyond the classroom, IVEP participants have contributed to a wide range of programs—from practical support in the library and tech labs to creating original curriculum. A memorable example is Dianny Julieth Nazarit Valencia (IVEP 2024-2025), who worked with pre-K students this past school year. She not only greeted students warmly each day in Spanish, building strong emotional connections, but also helped write an early Spanish curriculum now used with young learners.
Another standout story from this year is Oma Okwuchukwu (IVEP 2024-2025), who brought a blend of creativity and leadership to the middle and elementary schools. She launched a dance club for middle school students—beginning with a group of shy girls who slowly found confidence and joy in movement. By the second quarter, a new group of boys had joined in. Oma also developed and led a photography unit for fourth grade students with the school core value theme “building bridges of peace.” Students partnered together to photograph scenes representing peace and wrote personal artist statements that they shared at the Spring Arts Showcase and 4th Grade Celebration Chapel. In their reflections, many spoke about themes of racial unity and intercultural friendship.
Over time, these moments have had a lasting impact. One former IVEP participant, Luz Casallas (IVEP 2013-2014), returned to LM as a full-time teacher, a journey that exemplifies the meaningful ties that often continue beyond the volunteer year.
“Having IVEPers here helps our students from diverse backgrounds see their own cultures and ethnicities reflected in a professional role,” said Mrs. Carson. “That matters. It tells them their identity is valued and it expands their sense of what’s possible.”
Moreover, the presence of international volunteers has strengthened the LM community as a whole. Host families, school staff and volunteers have all found deeper engagement through relationships with IVEPers—whether through shared meals, conversations or participation in school life. These partnerships often spark greater involvement in hospitality and service, creating a ripple effect of connection and care.
To schools or other organizations considering hosting an IVEP participant, we offer strong encouragement. The relationships formed through this program are transformative—not just for the volunteers, but for every student, teacher and family they encounter.
“For students to have a personal relationship with someone who represents a different culture than their own helps them build empathy, hospitality and understanding,” Mrs. Carson added. “They bring a richness into our school community—through their culture, faith traditions and new ways of seeing the world.”
The legacy of those who have served here continues to shape our students and strengthen our mission. Through every story, handshake, lesson and hug, these volunteers have truly helped us live out our calling to be a welcoming community where Christian faith, learning and global citizenship are intertwined.