Beyond the ivory tower: service-learning for sustainable community development

Abstract

Teaching, research and community service have since earliest times been regarded as the three core functions of the university. The concept and practice of service-learning has succeeded in uniting these core functions. Whereas the quality of student learning resulting from service-learning experiences is of crucial importance for universities, the role of service-learning in community development also deserves attention.
The article explores the necessary conditions for service-learning to make a viable and effective contribution to sustainable community development by critically analyzing a number of service-learning projects at the University of the Free State. From this analysis certain conclusions are drawn on necessary prerequisites for service-learning to satisfy the requirements of participatory development and thus contribute to sustainable community development. It is the 's contention that the university's involvement in service-learning along the lines of participatory development is a crucial investment in the future of students, communities and the university itself.


(South African Journal of Higher Education: 2003 17 (1): 31-38)