| Areas of Expertise: Service-Learning
Overview
Service-learning can best be described as a form of experiential learning where students and faculty work together with communities to address problems and issues. There is an equal emphasis on helping communities and providing valid learning experiences to students. Studies of service-learning programs indicate high positive correlations to academic performance, growth in personal skills and civic connectedness, and school-to-work benefits.
There is a distinction between service-learning and civic service programs. Service-learning is often, but not exclusively, located in schools, integrates instruction and reflection of the experience, and lasts for shorter periods of time. A civic service program, on the other hand, is typically “a long-term, intensive form of volunteering…[that] is a contribution to the local, national, or world community.”1
Programs for in-school youth often resemble the service-learning model, as described above, in which service activities frequently correspond with formal school curriculum objectives. On the other hand, service-learning programs for out-of-school youth tend to emphasize civic participation along with livelihood skill-building and employment opportunities.
Our Approach EQUIP3’s use of service-learning programs has been largely motivated by our belief that young people can and should be seen as active and positive contributors to their families, communities, and societies. Our programs engage youth in activities that not only bolster their social, academic, and livelihood skills, but simultaneously use their unique abilities to improve their communities.
Projects The following program profiles represent a variety of positive impacts that service-learning programs create for youth.
EQUIP3’s Ruwwad Project builds civic engagement and leadership through its “by youth, for youth” approach. Its “30/30” practice, in which thirty youth are recruited to participate in a public service training program every thirty days, underscores the need to prepare youth before they engage in community development activities.
EQUIP3’s Education for All (EFA), South Africa Project was a part of the government’s National Youth Service initiative that required all service programs to be linked to job readiness. With the help of the City Year Program, youth received rigorous training and skills assessments, in addition to the service activities themselves, which prepared youth for the world of work.
1. McBride, Amanda Moore and Michael Sherraden, 2007. Civic Service Worldwide: Impacts and Inquiry. Amonk, New York: M.E. Sharpe.
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