Service Learning

I feel choosing an animal shelter would have a positive effect on learners as well as the community. I think it was effective in educating learners about animal shelters and showing them that not all animals, like their own, have homes. This will allow them to empathize. The presentation I created was graphic and showcased how what learners could do in order to make a difference

in these animals lives. They were able to see how something as small as donating old books allowed them to make a difference. I feel communicating to parents through the newsletter and communicating to students through my presentation was effective and this was shown during the course of the week through donations. When I implemented my campaign I didn’t take into consideration that the school had just run a big donation drive for Mandela Day. Because of this, I felt a lot of parents were not too keen on another donation drive however it still made a positive impact on the shelter and I am grateful for all of the donations learners were able to bring. The experience as a whole was effective in reaching learners, educating them, their parents, the staff in the school, and the wider

community on the topic.

Personally, I feel I have gained valuable knowledge and skills from service learning. I also feel I have learned how to reach out to learners, parents, and the wider community in order to make a difference regarding a topic I feel passionate about. I feel I’ve made a difference to learners in terms of allowing them to empathize and learn about animal shelters and how they help animals in need.

I feel this experience has developed me professionally as I have gained knowledge about school and community dynamics. I have gained the crucial skill of communication through presenting this presentation to over 90 grade 3s. The skill of leadership was also gained through this experience as I had to take charge of all duties and responsibilities that go with it. Networking was a key skill that I have gained through this experience. Building relationships with comm

unities and NGOs is a very important skills to have when working professionally. I also learned the value of empathy and working together.

This initiative has benefitted the school as the learners were educated on an issue that may arise in future and the school will be able to run this

initiative as well.