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Service Learning Curriculum "For the first time in my life instead of showing pity, I was able to show compassion in my service to the men. I really loved my time at St. John's Hospice and I would go back tomorrow if I could." - Devon The integration of a fully developed Service Learning Curriculum with the existing religion program began in 2001. Twice yearly students are provided with an opportunity to engage in meaningful activity at a Service Learning site. During a three-week immersion class that is integrated into the religion curriculum, students study the principles of Catholic social teaching. Teachers present mental materials that raise consciousness around a grade-level theme, guest speakers from mentor sites provide further awareness, and students engage in role playing as they review behavioral protocol. Preschool and Kindergarten students grow in their appreciation for the elderly as residents of St. Joseph's Villa visit their classrooms. Students in some Junior Level Montessori classes and in grades one and two visit St. Joseph's Villa in Flourtown where they interact with the residents. Other Junior Level Montessori students communicate with sign language when they visit students at the Archbishop Ryan School for the Ryan School for the Hearing Impaired.While working with students at Our Lady of Confidence School in Willow Grove, students in grades three and four grow in their understanding of children with special needs. New friendships are made at St. Hugh of Cluny School in North Philadelphia where NFA's fifth grade students meet children who have immigrated to the United States. At the Artman Home in Ambler, students in grade six broaden their sensitivity to the elderly, while seventh grade students become aware of the issues of hunger and homelessness when serving meals to the residents of St. John's Hospice in Philadelphia. Finally, grade eight students are exposed to the issues of modern-day literacy as they tutor Spanish-speaking students at Holy Name School in Camden. After each visit, students reflect upon and respond to their
experiences through a variety of integrated projects
and presentations. As they actively process the "meaning" of their
service learning experiences, students develop
a raised social consciousness and a life-long commitment to personal
and social justice.
Provided with opportunities to form and build relationships with persons
they would not typically encounter,
the students learn to appreciate and honor differences. "One of the men that I served was wearing a white collared shirt with a big cross on his shoulder. Around his neck hung a necklace with an image of Jesus. Even with his life so hard, he still believes in Jesus. As I continued passing out bread, I said to myself, "God bless him for believing." I looked over, and he was making the sign of the cross as he prepared to eat. I just smiled and went back to work." - Cecily "My trip to Holy Name - Camden was an eye-opening experience. I never knew what living in those conditions would be like until I saw Camden and Holy Name. I instantly felt like I had gone through it myself after simply one day there. After meeting the children and talking to them for a while, I've found they are just like us. They have the same hopes, the same dreams, but sadly less opportunities to fulfilled them." - Caroline "I gave my little girl a hug and when I went to pull away, she wouldn't let go. I could see sadness and pain in her eyes. She didn't want me to go and I certainly did not want to leave. As I walked away from the school yard, I knew I wasn't leaving empty handed. I was leaving with a smile and a very important lesson. It is never about how much you have, but rather about how much you are willing to give." - Megan "I had my lunch, jacket and was on the bus heading for Camden. I only needed three things for service: the third, an open heart for those with whom we were going to work. I was nervous that morning. Maybe it was the cold, but I was shivering, anticipating my visit to Holy Name Camden." - Edward "What makes me any different than the children of Camden, except that we play on different playgrounds? What gives me the right to grow up here and for him to grow up there? Why should I get a comfortable life when he struggles just to get from his school to the recess yard? I realize that we are doing service by going over there, being with the kids and befriending them, but what can a mere three hours, do for a young boy who struggles everyday. Jesus said that we must show compassion for those who are less fortunate. I am going to do everything I can so that They can live a happy and prosperous life." - Stephen
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