Service-Learning is a highly engaging method of teaching and way of
learning; students use academic knowledge and skills to meet real
community needs through service activities connected to their
curriculum. Recent research demonstrates that effective service-learning
increases student engagement and academic achievement, develops civic
attitudes and behaviors, and builds personal and social skills. Research
also supports that service-learning can be an effective strategy to
reduce drop out rates and prevent risk behaviors.
PeaceJam @ Pittsfield High School
This year’s PeaceJam Northeast Youth Conference, with 2003 Nobel
Peace Laureate Shrin Ebadi from Iran, was held on March 26-27 at the
Watkinson School in Hartford Connecticut. Twenty PeaceJam @ PHS
students attended and presented their Global Call to Action project to
Shirin and their peers. They had the opportunity to interact with
Shirin, other PeaceJam Ambassadors youth and advisors from around the
Northeast, and college student mentors, including two former
Peacejammers from PHS. They deepened their understanding of key issues
related to peace and social justice, participated in community service
in the Hartford area, and attended workshops to raise awareness and
build skills.
PeaceJam @ PHS students presented their Global Call to Action
project: educating students and transforming attitudes and behaviors
about one of our most precious resources – water. Students began by
watching all or portions of several documentaries about the topic: Flow, Blue Gold, and Running Dry. They
also met and listened to two representatives from the BARKA Foundation,
a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring sustainable
development to Barkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in the
world. PeaceJammers then surveyed PHS students about their preferences
for bottled water when compared to tap water. In order to reduce the
use of bottled water in the highschool and educate PHS students about
the need to do this, PeaceJammers showed The Real Story of Bottled Water to
all English classes. A BPA-free reusable water bottle was designed and
is being sold to raise funds to donate to BARKA to help dig a well in
Barkina Faso. Students also examined their own water habits and
collectively reduced their shower time by fifty percent. They are
currently working on a bottle recycling program for PHS.