A new digital library, The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, will be the first resource of its kind in Singapore, offering videos, reports, fact sheets and other information to education institutions to help them organise activities such as fund-raising events and overseas community trips.
It is being set up by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Local institutions and members of the public can access the library and contribute materials.
The 7th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for Service-Learning was being held in Singapore for the first time, with 300 local and international representatives from institutes and welfare organisations coming together over three days to discuss and exchange ideas on service learning.
Speaking at the conference’s launch, Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee cited Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) as an example of an institution that emphasises service learning.
From September 2019, 700 NP final-year students will go on a six-month internship placement in social and health service areas, which will help them grow to become more responsible and civic-minded.
Mr Lee added: “I hope that this rich emphasis on service learning will inculcate a strong spirit of giving back to the community, that lasts beyond your schooling years.”
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Source: The Straits Times, 20 June 2019