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24 June 2017

Incredible Benefits Of Service Learning In Slum Setting

By Martha Ward


Slums are found in most countries in the world, and they are commonly known for the poverty and high levels of crime. Conducting any activity in those areas is riskier and needs proper strategizing before venturing in there. However, any institution willing to take service learning in slum should have different methods of enticing the occupants to attend the classes. Here are ways that service learning in slum setting can be done and the benefits that come with this initiative.

Service learning is a process whereby the youths and the school children are taught the normal lessons and also given skills to fend for themselves. The training is focused on creating a reflection in the students to achieve real life objectives for their community and get a deeper understanding of life.

Every shantytown has its unique challenges, and this commands different modes of approach. Ensure you have done a thorough research on the issues that affect the residents of the slum setting you want to introduce the program. This will help in coming up with the skills training that should give them a chance to work in the locally available jobs.

Carrying out regular classes to hungry and jobless people will have no impact and might end up being a complete failure at long last. Create an awareness program with the goal of the service learning institution you are making. Let them know that apart from basic education, they will be empowered with skills. These can range from carpentry to hairdressing for the ladies. Through this method, you will be in a suitable position to change the lives of the slum dwellers.

When starting the service in learning in the slums, inform the targeted group that apart from the basic class lessons, they will be taking lessons that can give them skills. The project should equip itself with a range of courses that the youths can choose from depending on their liking. The common courses that can give them a chance for self-employment include, dressmaking, barbering, hairdressing, masonry and many others.

Slums are harbored by people of all cultures and religions. This leads to accelerated levels of crime which is a big headache to the authorities. Through the service learning, youths will have no time to commit these heinous crimes because they will be delighted to acquire the important skills that will open doors for them to get income.

Changing the mentality of the shantytown dwellers from the crime inhabited one to a positive thinking mind is a tedious process and demands a lot of care. Ensure that the staff working for the organization has been trained in guidance and counseling. The youths attending the program should be counseled on different issues to ensure that they embrace the whole learning positively.

To have excellent service learning in a slum setting, you will need to come up with other programs that directly benefit the residents of that slum. These include the supply of food, the towels for the girls and a medical facility. That is an expensive exercise and soliciting for funds from the government and other donor agencies can be a prospective way of achieving it.




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