My Social Action Project

During my final year teaching experience we were required to create a "social action project" incorporating our service learning and community service. Myself and my two peers decided to create a blanket drive for the SPCA. We created awareness and brought the school and SPCA together. During our project we collected blankets (as well as food and toy donations), created posters, newsletters as well as presenting the drive in assembly with a SPCA representative. In the final stages of our blanket drive we got the learners to help 'tie' the blankets to create double-sided thick blankets for extra warmth. On the final day of our school practical the three of us delivered all our donations to the SPCA Randburg on behalf of Curro Aurora.

This project was effective as we had aligned it with the school, and had done it with advanced planning to ensure that it is practical and runs smoothly. The SPCA blanket drive proved to be highly effective in various ways. Introducing and 'advertsing' the project was done early on in our teaching experience where we as a team held many meetings to communicate was and start the planning process. We handed the school the proposal and it was accepted as the school felt it was a rightful cause and they wanted to explore this partnership. Collecting the blankets was easy as the learners, staff and parents were happy to participate and contribute as we had advertised it well and educated them on the important details of the project. The project involved organising collection points, promoting our project, and coordinating with the SPCA and school, which enhanced out communication and organisational skills. A sense of community was fostered throughout the school as they came together to support a good cause by providing the animals with blankets, food and toys. It was rewarding to see out idea being brought to life, and to see our positive impact. Our drive met our goals of collecting and donating blankets but also united the school and community.

Service-learning as a component of teaching experience has changed me personally by educating me on social issues and deepened my understanding and enhancing my empathy. Service-learning has allowed me to explore giving back to the community. it has allowed me to take my knowledge and skills and put it into work by helping out others in need. This module aspect has allowed me opportunities to strengthen my problem-solving development and reinforce my commitment to contributing positively to the community. Service-learning has given me a greater sense of community and responsibility for mine, by helping build a partnership between the school and SPCA I was able to play a role and use my skills to uplift our community. I've learnt the importance of community, and I will continue doing my part in community service and social action.

Service-learning has developed me professionally by enhancing my organisational, communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills. Through the planning and execution of the project I gained practical experience in project management and teamwork. I learnt how to navigate real-world challenges, adapt to changing situations and interact effectively with diverse groups. These experiences fostered a proactive attitude and improved my ability to manage responsibilities and deadlines. Additionally service-learning deepened my understanding of social issues and reinforced the importance of ethical considerations and empathy in professional settings, contributing to my growth as a more capable and conscientious professional.

This initiative was beneficial to the school as it created a relationship with the SPCA and Curro Aurora for future collaborations. This initiative educated the learners and the staff as to how the SPCA helps our community and how we can show support and give back to them. I believe the school will continue supporting the SPCA and educating the learners on community service. This initiative proved to be successful as we collected a large amount of blankets, food, toys and dog beds to be donated as the learners, parents and staff really wanted to create a difference in the lives of the animals being protected at the SPCA. I am proud to have been apart of creating this small change and building a partnership between the school and organisation.

Disclaimer: all persons appearing in photos have given consent.