Service Learning: Task 1.4 My Social Action Project

My Social Action Project

✓ Consider the effectiveness of the project, considering each component and reflecting on your learning experience as well as the impact on the school or community.

This project was effective in so many ways. I think my marks are fantastic and really a reflection of my own and my group’s efforts. The community was the school staff and learners along with the Baby Moses Orphanage in Heldekruin. The donations were sizable with a full 23 large boxes full of donations given alongside a massive box of toys which although unspecified was an extremely welcome addition.

✓ How has service-learning changed you personally?

It is always a positive thing to help those in need. This is the first time I’ve been thanked personally for a charitable action as previously I’ve only stuck to animals which generally don’t use English. Personally it has made me realise how badly I need to exercise those boxes really made an impact. Especially the one with the Mielie Pap that one was just unreasonable.

Personally I think it has made me more confident and willing to work with others. It is also a good motive to get more involved with the community as there are absolutely incredible people that you may miss out on otherwise.

✓ How has service-learning developed you professionally? What new knowledge, skills and/or attitudes have you gained?

Service learning gave me the opportunity to work for something that was larger than myself. Yes teaching lessons is huge but this felt different. The feeling that your hard work is going to really help someone out is phenomenal. It was incredible to be involved with this type of project for development.

Firstly it helped me become more confident. I’m shy and have never been on stage but the stakes of this project compelled me to speak in front of the learners and staff on stage and at a podium twice. So I would say this project

Secondly was collaboration. The two other student teachers put in the same energy and effort into this project as I have. It was the first time I have ever done group work where each member contributed something. Helped my develop the ability to co-ordinate more effectively.

Thirdly would be interpersonal communication where I can collaborate with my group and the grade 7 learners who had their own charity projects that would run alongside ours. For instance the access to clean water project run by the girls in grade 7.

✓ Describe the benefit of this initiative to the school and comment on its sustainability.

The iniative benefitted the children under the care of the Baby Moses organisation. The program also assisted the grade 7 learners who needed a charity for their PYPX projects (kind of like service learning). It also assisted the school as the principal showed interest in perhaps offering continued support to the organisation in future for other school related projects.