Lumo Foundation & CAS

Message of the founder

At Lumo, we believe education has the power not only to transform individual futures, but also to bridge cultures and build stronger communities. Through the Lumo Foundation, we have made it our mission to extend learning opportunities to those who might otherwise be excluded (refugees, migrants, and immigrants ) while also giving our students the chance to engage in meaningful, real-world experiences.

One of the ways we do this is through our Cultural Exchange & CAS Workshops, designed especially for International Baccalaureate students. These workshops count towards the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB Diploma and give our students a unique opportunity to learn from (and contribute to) the diverse community around them.

Whether it’s sharing conversations in Italian with a newly arrived migrant, playing games together, helping organise community events, or supporting donation and fundraising initiatives, these moments are more than volunteer hours, they are opportunities to grow as empathetic, globally minded individuals.

For our Lumo students, participating in these cultural exchanges is a chance to step outside their comfort zone, develop leadership and collaboration skills, and make a tangible impact on someone’s life. For our partner communities, it means building networks, gaining language skills, and feeling welcomed into Milan’s cultural fabric.

I am proud of every student who chooses to take part in this program, and I am deeply grateful to our partners and supporters who make it possible. Together, we are proving that academic excellence and social responsibility go hand in hand, illustrating that education of the world is life changing.

Louis Martin

President - Lumo Foundation

The Lumo Foundation CAS Workshops

The CAS Workshops programme was created to give IB students the opportunity to enrich their school journey with meaningful Service experiences that have a real social impact.

Organised by the Lumo Foundation, these workshops bring together international school students with refugees, migrants, and immigrants, creating moments of cultural exchange and meaningful collaboration.

Activities include, for example:

• Conversations in Italian and group games to encourage linguistic and social integration

• Distribution of essential goods such as food and hygiene products

• Support in organising and promoting awareness events

• Participation in fundraising and charitable initiatives

These experiences not only contribute to completing the CAS component of the IB Diploma, but also help students develop empathy, initiative, and the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings while leaving a positive mark on the community.

To learn more about the foundation, click here: