Good Essay On Service Learning

Critics have always accused students of apathy; lacking interest in environmental issues, racial understanding, community-based programs and even in political engagement. There is still a chance of redeeming this situation by providing models that will foster interest in the environment around us. Students’ blind trust in inherited authorities such as government shows a lack of real trust. It, therefore, boils down to “the cynical smirk” (Loeb 82) that characterizes the general population. Students witness a lot of injustices, but either feels too helpless to help or accept it as a way of life or fate.
The lack of confidence stems from a perceptual barrier where students feel they need to know each and every fact and figure about an issue in order to be able to articulate it correctly. It may be partly true, but Loeb explicitly states “we don’t have to be saints” (Loeb 42). I am not a supporter of ignorance, but it is a call to action to find ways of exposing students to activities that will consequently empower them with the necessary knowledge. The first step to realizing this goal is through finding a way of incorporating community-based programs into the school curriculum. Such an approach will enable students get exposure to diverse cultures, races, political and demographic environments.
Service learning, whether through volunteerism, internship or community service, provides a great way of bridging this knowledge gap between the classroom and the real world. Students can apply what they learn in enhancing the work of agencies that already exist in these communities. They are also enabled to effect positive change in these communities. It is an experiential form that allows students to participate in activities that address human and community needs. While engaging with these communities, students get to interact with people from diverse cultures, races, and political backgrounds and becoming aware of the community’s needs. This engagement may further have an effect in their values and beliefs, for example, a student working within a Muslim community may adopt the beliefs and practices of that community. Service learning helps break such barriers and stereotypes among students.
As a volunteer with the university’s Saudi Arabian club, I am charged with helping new students who join the school from Saudi Arabia and also helping them solve any problems and issues. There exist many avenues of service learning in the University that individually effect positive change. However, the learning process is only limited to its members, for example, the Saudi Arabian club and all its activities majorly comprise of the Saudi Arabian Students population at the university. The school should, therefore, create structures and forums that allow greater discussion among students to enable them overcome the cynicism and ignorance that they portray towards certain beliefs and cultures. This medium will provide an opportunity for students to share their service experience with each other thereby enlightening each other with the correct facts about varied subjects of interests.
I believe that two heads are better than one when it comes to strengthening the community in a holistic way. The community becomes a better place when its members think, plan and work together towards achieving common goals. The reason is that is impossible for a single person to achieve goals that can impact the whole community. Members of the community should be open-minded and be ready to learn from each other to ensure that there is collaboration towards achieving the goals of the community.

Works Cited

Loeb, Paul Rogat. Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in Challenging Times. 2nd ed., rev. and updated ed. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2010. Print.