A PhD Candidate at the University of Malta, Raweyah Al-Sedairawi, recently attended and actively participated in the SEA-EU Service-Learning Conference held in Cadiz. This experience has been profoundly enriching and has provided valuable insights into the intersection of education, community service, and societal needs. Service-learning, as elucidated during the conference, stands as an innovative educational approach that intertwines learning objectives with community service. It offers a pragmatic and progressive learning experience that not only enhances academic knowledge but also addresses real-world challenges and contributes to the betterment of society.
Admittedly, as an architect, my prior exposure to service learning was limited - says Raweyah. However, the conference served as an eye-opener, illuminating the potential of this educational approach to foster social responsibility and catalyze positive change. The opportunity extended by the University of Malta to participate in such an event was both inspiring and motivating. In line with my research interests in architecture, I seized the opportunity to delve deeper into the theme of service learning and its implications for emerging architectural professionals in practice. My research topic, "Exploring the Impact of Service Learning on Emerging Architectural Professionals in Practice: Enhancing Social Responsibility in High-rise Housing Designs," resonated with the overarching theme of the conference. The feedback received was invaluable, providing fresh perspectives and insights that will undoubtedly enrich my ongoing research endeavours.
Moreover, the conference served as a platform for networking and collaboration, fostering connections with like-minded individuals and institutions committed to advancing service learning initiatives.
Throughout the conference sessions, I had the privilege to engage with esteemed scholars, practitioners, and fellow attendees from diverse backgrounds - reports Raweyah. The discussions were enlightening, touching upon various aspects of service learning, including its implementation strategies, impact assessment, and best practices.
In conclusion, my attendance at the SEA-EU Service-Learning Conference has been an enlightening and transformative experience. It has reinforced my belief in the power of education to drive positive change and instilled a renewed commitment to integrating service learning into architectural practice. I am grateful to the University of Malta for providing me with this opportunity and look forward to applying the insights gained to contribute meaningfully to our local and global communities.
