In a significant upgrade to student living spaces, KDI School recently completed an extensive dormitory renovation project spanning September and October 2024. This project included furniture replacement and thorough cleaning of the residential spaces of the KDIS students. Surprisingly, this project concluded with a thoughtful gesture of giving a handmade cookie set and new mattress covers as tokens of appreciation to each student.

The surprise gifts brought smiles to students' faces across campus. The carefully packaged handmade cookies and fresh mattress covers were not just practical items - they also represented the school's genuine appreciation for students' patience during the renovation period. This gesture stood out as a memorable example of KDIS's student-centered approach, turning what could have been a routine renovation into a moment of community connection.

Abdou Touray (2024 MDP), a resident student from Gambia, shared his views: "I was genuinely delighted to receive a completely new bed set. And the cookies, wrapped like a gift, were a thoughtful and well-received touch."

The renovation has brought notable improvements to student living spaces. Residents report that their rooms feel fresher, cleaner, and more spacious. "The room looks very fresh and clean now. Having new furniture really gives the room a feeling of personal belonging. I feel a lot closer to home now," Touray added.

What stood out to many students was not just the physical improvements, but the administration's approach to managing the project. Ailiya Amanbieke (exchange student), another resident student from China, praised the communication process. "They sent several notifications via email regarding this matter, reminding us, and the content was very detailed, with images to help us better understand what was expected," she explained.

The administration's considerate handling of the project left a lasting impression on students. Bonnie Mahoro (2024 MPM), from Rwanda, noted that the communication was "perfect," with prompt responses whenever help was needed. The early notifications, like one to two weeks in advance, have helped the students prepare for the changes, minimizing disruption to their academic routines.

The gesture of providing cookies and new mattress covers particularly resonated with students. "I actually feel it is very warm hearted," Amanbieke reflected. "Having experienced authoritarian cultures, I was initially even a bit surprised... I have gotten used to organizations giving orders from the top down and expecting compliance, so I was quite taken aback by the school administration's genuine actions to express gratitude for our cooperation."

The success of this renovation project was not just about the physical improvements; rather, it demonstrated KDIS's commitment to both student comfort and maintaining open, respectful communication with its community. The Dormitory Assistants (DAs) played a crucial role in the project's smooth execution, personally delivering the appreciation gifts to each resident.

This renovation marks a positive change in student living conditions at KDIS, made even more memorable by the administration's thoughtful approach to student comfort and satisfaction.