From the classroom to the world: A service-learning conference experience

From 3-6 December 2024, three teachers from the Christian Service and Involvement Program (CSIP) of Ateneo de Manila Junior High School (AJHS) attended the 2024 IARSLCE Asia-Pacific X International Conference on Service-Learning in Hong Kong: Mr. Jomell Caramancion, Ms. Bernadette Ilao, and Ms. Dickel Dagoc. The event was a collaborative effort by the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) Asia-Pacific Community of Practice (APCoP) and the Service-Learning and Leadership Office (SLLO) of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). 

The conference provided a platform for the group from AJHS to present the service-learning and community engagement initiatives of AJHS under the CSIP program. They focused primarily on the Grade 8 initiative, the DANAS Ecological Engagement. By presenting their paper titled “The DANAS Ecological Engagement Program: Fostering Environmental Education and Active Stewardship in Grade 8 Students,” the group offered a middle-school perspective to a delegation predominantly composed of higher education representatives. In fact, the conference was dominated by representatives from colleges and universities in Southeast Asia, with the Ateneo contingent being the only group from Basic Education.  

The presentation highlighted how the program exemplifies Pope Francis’ Laudato ‘Si, integrating ecological education into the curriculum. Through DANAS, students are engaged in practical activities such as tree-planting, eco-walks, and immersive experiences in farming life. These activities allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and responsibility.

Similarly, the conference provided the group with valuable insights into the social responsibility initiatives implemented by universities from around the world. The experience of attending the four-day conference served as a powerful affirmation of the crucial role that social involvement and/or community engagement plays in shaping an individual's development.

Ateneo de Manila University places significant emphasis on this aspect, as it aligns with the institution's mission to nurture graduates and employees who embody "persons for and with others." This essential value is challenging to impart solely through classroom instruction; it requires real-life engagement and experiences outside the school environment to truly take root.

On December 2, the day before the 2024 IARSLCE Asia-Pacific X International Conference on Service-Learning, a pre-conference session was held at Hong Kong PolyU. During this session, participating attendees were organized into groups that discussed research agendas related to service-learning and leveraged insights and data gathered by the IARSLCE from previous conferences.

While the concept of service-learning continues to spark debate in the context of education, service-learning is an established experiential learning activity that is integrated into the Ateneo de Manila curriculum. For some institutions, student participation is voluntary, while for others, it is mandatory. Over the years, service-learning has evolved into various forms and structures, demonstrating significant benefits for all stakeholders involved. These include not only the implementing institution, but partner organizations, communities, individuals, and students as well. These diverse benefits contribute to the continued growth and interest in researching and developing service-learning programs. As the conference highlighted, it is a continuously expanding area for scholarly exploration and innovation. 

Overall, the AJHS contingent found the experience to be incredibly enriching and inspiring. It reinforced the formators’ commitment to continue fostering service-learning and community engagement, particularly in the context of junior high school. More importantly, the experience underscored the importance of collaboration and the sharing of best practices with peers from around the world.