Service learning

Service learning combines meaningful service to the community with education.

Service learning can be considered part of both formal and informal education, or it can combine both areas. These two directions can also be distinguished. Service learning projects can be products of schools, i.e., within formal education through educational policies, but they can also be offered through non-governmental organizations as a strategy for working with youth – i.e., through youth policies. Service learning can also be seen as a way of educating for volunteering and active citizenship. There are many young people who could be a valuable resource for active citizenship, but either they have not learned to be active and proactive, or they have become lost in the information overload they currently face. The most important findings from international research suggest that service learning has a positive impact on young people in a variety of areas. These include the development of so-called key competencies (e.g., communication skills, leadership, collaboration, cultural understanding, responsibility, learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, etc.), civic engagement, and strengthening young people's belief in the possibility of making a change in society.

The potential of service learning is still underutilized in Central and Eastern European countries due to a lack of structures, competencies, and experience in strategy development. Service learning originated in the USA, and its implementation in the European context has several specifics related to social and cultural differences and the need for engagement and involvement in civic and community life.

The development of service learning in the Czech Republic is supported by the Erasmus+ program within the project no. 2023-1-SK02-KA220-YOU-000159836, Service-learning in fostering youth civic engagement, diversity, and social inclusion in the CEE region.