Neighbour Watch: Service Learning Programme

Overview

This school has planned a three-day 'Neighbourhood Watch' local and overseas service-learning programme for all students from Form 1 to Form 4 this year. The programme systematically arranges service activities, with every student participating in a full three to five days of service-learning, creating a positive atmosphere of whole-school involvement in service. The twelve local and overseas service-learning programs include 'STEM UP' which serves local underprivileged communities, 'Planting Peace' which connects communities through art and service, 'Ocean Guardians,' which explores and conserves the ocean, 'Servant Leaders' in the Greater Bay Area, cross-cultural service in Singapore, and volunteer service in Indonesia through 'Because You Have Arrived'. These programs transcend geographical and disciplinary boundaries, leading students to gain a deep understanding of the true meaning of service-learning.　Students connect with others, watch out for each other, and grow together through caring for their community, the global neighbourhood.

Through reflection and deep learning, students were inspired of the deepened significance of the activities. Stepping into subdivided units for the first time, students broaden their preceding perception of the community and show their love by making food for their neighbours by themselves. Students set aside superficial ideas about traveling and actively choose to serve different ethnic groups in Indonesia, truly and authentically getting to know this world. There are abundant rewards in terms of activities, service, character development, and various other aspects.　

Participants of this seminar will understand:
1. how to define the purpose and guidelines of a service-learning programme;
2. how the school plans and implements a school-wide volunteer service-learning programme; and
3. how to deeply guide students to understand the meaning of service-learning through the organisation of activities.