UNISERVITATE AWARD 2022
Service-Learning Experiences in Catholic Higher Education
In support of the Global Compact on Education
The Uniservitate Award is a global recognition, awarded by region to the best “Service-Learning Experiences (SL) in Catholic Higher Education.”
It seeks to make visible and promote quality service-learning (SL) practices, that is, to recognise experiences that show effective contributions to the solution of socio-environmental problems, identified and addressed in solidarity with organisations and members of the community; with the active participation of students in all stages of the project and a clear link between service and educational planning that includes specific links with the curriculum, opportunities for skills development, reflection and research. This year Tangaza University College was announced as one of the winners of the Uniservitate Award from the AFRICA regional hub.
Welcome to The Institute for Social Transformation
The Institute for Social Transformation was founded in 1994 by Fransceso Pierli, a Comboni missionary, with the idea of training agents of change.
The vision of the Institute is to train people from the society, church circle to be able to engage and bring about transformation in the society.
Approach to Education
Service Learning
This methodology sharpens the skills of the learners as they engage with their communities. This has been instrumental in the institute’s outreach programmes. This helps to establish a rapport with communities.
Blending theory and practice
The learning approach within Tangaza University College encourages lecturer-student engagements. The Institute has used an impactful model of sending students to the communities to apply what they have learnt. PAST plays a key role in research and projects, motivating students to deliver actionable projects.
Tapping on community knowledge
All research projects are called within communities playing a key role in the decision making processes. The communities serve as reference point for the IST programmes which is action oriented.
Our Work
Training
IST has enabled the recruitment and training of qualified professionals to undertake training roles within the institute. It has instituted an encouraging atmosphere where learning is carried out and ensuring it accounts for the transferable skills to communities to upgrade preexisting conditions. IST has lived to the goal of preparing ethical servant leaders for the church and society in an environment of freedom and responsibility.
Connection with grassroot activities
IST has developed relationships to provide opportunities to connect with the struggle for social justice, through the various community initiatives. The 7th Zinduka Festivals, 2019 was an important avenue for advocacy groups to learn and network. It assisted in bringing together members across East Africa to deliberate on the status of Civic space and seek a way forward for the communities.
Outreach Programmes
In 2012, IST began Diploma courses in informal settlements to provide service learning for the residents. These programmes utilize available learning atmosphere, to encourage residents to improve their communities.
Conferences
The programme is training social entrepreneurs that are creating positive impact within their social enterprises. Conferences have been offering an exceptional opportunity for students to learn and network.
