In a bid to ensure that our students have the ability to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and real-world experiences, we have introduced “Service Learning,” as part of our core offering. This programme offers our students the opportunity to gain relevant work experience while adding value towards the development of their local communities.
The service-learning activities that students will be involved in include: volunteering to serve in a company or an NGO, working as a tutor or setting up peer mentoring programs, and supporting a park. Also, they have the choice to run a food drive, serve at a food pantry, start a school recycling program or educate the community on societal issues, among other activities.
While announcing the programme, our Wider Curriculum Principal, Mrs Jennifer Sunkanmi-Qazzeem noted that Greensprings students have hitherto offered some random acts of service in their local communities and have seen the impact of their efforts. Thus, we have decided to make service learning an integral part of their learning so that they can understand their capacity to make meaningful contributions to the community.
Mrs Sunkanmi-Qazzeem further disclosed that through the service-learning process, our students will not only develop personal and social skills but will have the opportunity to apply these skills in real-life situations. She continued by saying that service learning will give them a chance to be involved in the decision-making process towards solving problems because they will learn how to use their initiative and take responsibility in work situations. In addition, she stated that students will become more engaged in their local communities, gain practical life skills, and develop personal interests towards their careers.
Speaking about the modality of the programme, she said that each student will fill out a form, selecting his/her desired service learning experience, and once this is done, we will provide the necessary supporting documents such as an introduction letter, a supervisor’s evaluation form, a reflection form etc. This will ensure that adequate documentation of the service learning experience is captured during the period.
She concluded by saying that students who perform well in the course of their service learning will be rewarded.
