During the second semester of 2023, the CLAYSS-Uniservitate Training team conducted the online course “Training for Trainers,” aimed at deepening knowledge about service-learning pedagogy and quality projects in the mission of universities “which goes forth”. In addition, it aimed to promote educational solidarity-based initiatives according to the conditions, vision and institutional culture and design training devices for service-learning institutionalization.
Over fifty educators from the institutions supported by Uniservitate in different regions of the world participated in the planned training course for three months. Using active and reflexive dynamics that combined the study of theoretical and spiritual sources, project analysis and the joint building of pedagogical and didactic frameworks, all individuals’ backgrounds and local contexts of interpretation were valued.
Alejandra Batista and Alejandra Herrero, in charge of the course, stated that the proposal was not limited to training on a set of theoretical or practical knowledge but was an invitation to bond, network and build bridges between individuals, groups and communities through a comprehensive training experience on service-learning.
María Rosa Tapia and Andrés Peregalli, coordinators of Uniservitate; Candelaria Ferrara, Hub Coordinator; Marietta Guanzon, a representative of De La Salle University in Manila (Asia hub); and Chantal Jouannet, Director of the Centre for Teaching Development of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (Latin America hub) were invited to share their experiences and learnings at different meetings.
Following the course, several participants mentioned that they could deepen their existing lines of work, systematize processes, discover new aspects of the service-learning approach, confirm the need for group work in project implementation and learn about the importance of the engagement of the academic authorities. They said that learning about experiences from other universities allowed them to see that, despite the cultural differences in the countries, what identifies them is the idea of a holistic education based on Catholic-inspired values. They agreed that the reflections on their personal and institutional trajectories helped them realize that they all seek to build a more just, empathetic and inclusive world, albeit in different ways. “With its own time, values and methods, each institution advances in the service-learning institutionalization process. It is essential to capitalize on what has been done, value the history and the path traveled by all those involved, and enhance their experiences, emotions and perspectives,” said one of the participants.
From Uniservitate, and together with the regional hubs, we will continue to offer training opportunities to continue strengthening the network of trainers for an integral education through service-learning.