Service-learning programs
Our authentic service-learning programs will expand your students’ sense of social awareness and help develop their essential life skills. You’ll work in collaboration with local communities, contributing to positive change through your choice of three hands-on project types.
Designed by communities for genuine impact
All our service-learning programs are instigated by the local community in response to their genuine needs and goals. Every program is conducted only after careful consultation with local community leaders and local authorities.
During consultation, we assess each program to ensure it’s sustainable, ethical and empowers local people. Each project is designed to have lasting economic benefits that build wealth within the community – we’re not in the business of tokenistic hand-outs.
Driven by mutual learning
Our service-learning projects are based on a model of mutual learning. Delivered as an immersion experience within local communities, students grow their skills through meaningful and challenging hands-on projects. They come away with a better understanding of the issue at hand (see What students learn, below) and a broader perspective on the world around them.
At the same time, local communities receive a range of benefits – from the chance for one-on-one conversation and cultural exchange, to building capacity, strengthening existing services and supporting sustainable wealth creation. Plus, by connecting your school to the local community, our projects also give communities the chance to form enduring connections to a new partner.
Tailored to your learning needs
Our service-learning programs typically range from 1-5 days in length. Within a longer school tour itinerary, you might like to include two or three different service-learning programs to offer students a variety of experiences.
Whatever your requirements and preferences, we’re here to accommodate them, so your students can benefit from a program most relevant to their learning needs. If your school has existing connections with reputable in-country organisations, for instance, we’re happy to work in with those ongoing relationships.
Types of service-learning programs we offer
We offer three different types of service-learning programs for students. Whichever program type you choose, your students will gain practical skills and knowledge that they’ll apply throughout their lives.
1. Physical construction projects
These projects include building, repairing or improving housing, schools, libraries, washroom facilities or other infrastructure and fittings. We also work with communities that require water reservoirs, irrigation systems and animal pens.
As you can imagine, these projects require lots of physical exertion, sweat and some exposure to the elements. Undertaking a construction project also involves hiring expert local tradesmen, assistant builders and transport providers. More substantial construction projects require purchasing locally produced materials, hiring local cooks and booking local homestay accommodation, all of which inject money into the local host community. Fundraising is usually required for these types of projects.
2. Environmental projects
Our environmental projects are wide-ranging. They include activities like: constructing greenhouses with suitable plants; planting cash crop gardens, such as mango and dragon fruit trees; constructing small dams; restoring native vegetation and habitat; setting up solar panels; installing fish farms; and maintaining conservation huts and hiking trails.
By taking part in these projects, students will develop their environmental awareness. They’ll learn about environmental impacts and discover ways to measure the lasting success of an environmental project. As with physical construction projects, fundraising is usually required for these types of projects.
3. Community engagement programs
Through our strong relationships with local schools and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), students can also help deliver social service and education initiatives within a community. Your students will work in government-run classrooms or vocational training programs to help teach English (by following a lesson plan prepared in advance), help implement health programs, or work alongside local students as they learn small business skills.
What students learn
Service-learning projects offer your students the chance to develop their knowledge through a process of action and reflection. They’ll ascertain how a project was established, who established it, whether it’s genuinely required and beneficial, and how to measure its outcomes.
Through this process, students will learn common lessons like:
- What complex and important issues communities face, and how to go about resolving them
- What transparent business operations look like
- How to analyse the merits of the program they participated in
- How to project manage and problem solve the specific issues related to each program
- What costs are involved, and where money is allocated from start to end of the project
Get in touch
Get in touch today to find out more information, request an itinerary or tailor your next trip.
Australia
17 Galtymore Close
Warranwood VIC 3134
Melbourne, Australia
Tel: 61-3-9876 5058
billy@edventuretravel.com.au
Vietnam
7/43/64 Lane
Nguyen Luong Bang Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 84-24-3851 0792
info@edventuretravel.com.au
Cambodia
No 62, Street 134
Sangkat Vealvong, Khan 7 Makara
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 855-23-885391
mia@edventuretravel.com.au