Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Learn and serve, students told

Staff Reporter

— Photo: G. Moorthy.

PEP TALK: P. Kausalya Devi, managing trustee, Gandhigram Trust, addressing students in Madurai on Monday.

MADURAI: An International Service-Learning Model Programme called ‘Multicultural Symbiosis through Service Learning’ was launched at Lady Doak College here on Monday by P. Kausalya Devi, Managing Trustee, Gandhigram Trust.

In her address, Dr. Kausalya Devi said that service was part of every one’s life but the question was how it was used.

Pointing out that service meant helping others without expecting a reward, she urged the students to learn and serve wholeheartedly.

Briefing the history of Service Learning Asia Network functioning in 10 educational institutions in eight countries, Takashi Nishio, professor and former Director of Service Learning Centre, International Christian University (ICU), said that service learning would involve a three-stage process — ‘learning by doing,’ ‘reflection that involved writing in journals’ and ‘unlearning.’

Florence E. McCarthy of ICU said that the programme would help students gain a deeper understanding of national and cultural differences, develop ‘cultural sensitivity’ by fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity, to nurture team spirit and improve personal relationships across cultural boundaries.

C. Ramasubramanian, Psychiatrist, Government Rajaji Hospital, said that the present scenario warranted inculcating social commitment among students, who were more committed to learning different courses.

As many as 24 students and 12 staff members from Chung Chi College, International Christian University, Lady Doak College, Payap University, Seoul Women’s University and The American College will participate in the programme.

The students will be allowed to involve in field work with non-governmental organisations such as DHAN Foundation, Love and Care, Reaching the Unreached, RUSS Foundation and MS. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation.

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