What is Service Learning?

Knowledge is gained through actions. There is no doubt that the best way to solidify knowledge gained in the classroom is to apply that knowledge to real life situations. One of the most effective ways to provide students with a unique opportunity to face a variety of real life problems first-hand and take part in the solution-making process is through a Service Learning Program.

During a Service Learning Program, the community becomes the classroom. In other words, the students, through their daily experiences with community members, learn to create solutions and solve problems that have been learned conceptually in the classroom. Subsequently, these experiences are transmitted to their peers in the classroom under the guidance of a professor. The classroom is no longer the main stage of learning; rather it becomes the space for reflection, sharing ideas and impressions, and formulating solutions.

There is no doubt that true knowledge is acquired when a person becomes a direct actor and is directly involved in real life situations and solutions. These experiences leave students with a wealth of knowledge and a range of ideas about a variety of socio-economic and environmental problems, while simultaneously encouraging cross-cultural analysis between the students and the community. The knowledge and experiences gained by the students can be applied to their future studies, projects, and classes, ultimately enriching the students’ overall academic learning, even years after they have completed their program.

These beliefs and our strong conviction for the benefits that can only be gained through Service Learning Programs is what has motivated the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation to offer students and academic institutions the opportunity to participate in and design tailor-made Service Learning Programs.