By Amy Meuers, NYLC CEO
Service-learning is a transformative educational approach, engaging students worldwide in solving real-world problems through academic learning connected to community action. What began as a primarily U.S.-based initiative that took formal shape in the 1960s and 70s is now a widespread approach to education, with young people in diverse countries taking action to address local challenges and global issues alike. The growth of service-learning signals the increasing recognition that youth have the power to lead, learn, and make a difference in their communities.
Students are taking action in countries from Brazil to South Africa, where service-learning is becoming a key strategy for youth engagement. In Brazil, students have been involved in projects addressing social inequality by working with local NGOs to provide educational support and resources to underprivileged communities. For example, initiatives like the Educar para Transformar program focus on improving literacy and digital skills among children in favelas, helping to bridge the educational gap and promote social mobility. In South Africa, service-learning projects often tackle environmental concerns and access to education. Students in Cape Town have participated in programs aimed at conserving local biodiversity while educating the community about sustainable practices. One project involves students collaborating with local schools to create eco-friendly gardens that serve as educational tools for teaching about environmental stewardship and nutrition. These projects not only address immediate community needs but also empower students to lead initiatives that have a real and lasting impact, fostering a sense of global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.
The expansion of service-learning internationally reflects a broader movement to recognize youth not only as future leaders but as the leaders of today. Schools and universities worldwide are embedding service-learning into their curricula, encouraging students to take on local issues with a global perspective.
Countries like India and Finland are embracing this approach, with students tackling real-world problems. In India, the Atal Tinkering Labs program has enabled students to develop innovative solutions for local challenges. For instance, students in Kerala created a smart irrigation system to help farmers conserve water during droughts. Meanwhile, in Finland, the phenomenon-based learning approach encourages students to explore complex topics like climate change from multiple angles. Finnish students have engaged in projects such as designing energy-efficient buildings and developing apps to track personal carbon footprints.
NYLC has been at the forefront of this movement, supporting educators and students around the world through training, resources, and platforms for collaboration. With this global growth, the importance of fostering youth-led service-learning becomes clearer: when youth engage locally, the impact reverberates globally, contributing to a more just and equitable world.
Service-learning’s global expansion is a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives. As students engage in local projects, they build the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex global challenges. Through service-learning, today’s youth are not only learning to be leaders—they are actively leading change in their communities and beyond.
NYLC’s upcoming Global Insights: International Service-Learning Panel happening on November 13 2024, will bring together educators, students, and practitioners from around the globe to discuss the state of service-learning and its future. This virtual panel is an opportunity for global leaders to share best practices and explore how service-learning can continue to grow as a platform for youth civic engagement. Register now to join us!
