Introduction to Service Learning (2)

Week 2: Introduction to Service Learning (2)

– What is community and what are the commons

– [Link] is public service
– [Link] an understanding of need of active citizenry
– [Link] Learning and Religion (moral and ethical perspective)
– [Link] Service from the perspective of Pakistan
– Various personalities globally and locally in the field of
philanthropy (case studies) and how students can relate with
them
Introduction to Service Learning

Definition: Service learning combines learning goals with

community service

Purpose: Helps students connect academic content with

real-world issues

Goal for this lesson: Understand what “community” and

“commons” mean and why they matter in service learning
What is a Community?

A group of people connected by:

– Location (neighborhood, town)

– Shared interests or values
– Cultural or social ties

Key idea: Community involves belonging, relationships, and

mutual support

• Question? (To which community do you belong?)

Types of Communities

Geographic: People living in the same area

Cultural: Shared language, traditions, or identity

Interest-based: Shared hobbies, causes, or goals

Virtual: Online groups with shared interests

What Are Commons?

Commons are resources shared by a community

Examples:
– Natural: air, water, forests
– Cultural: public parks, libraries, museums
– Digital: open-source software, Wikipedia

Key idea: Commons belong to everyone — and require

cooperation to maintain
Community & Commons in Service Learning

Service learning helps us:

– Understand community needs

– Protect and contribute to the commons
– Work together for the common good

Example project: Cleaning a park = protecting a natural

commons for your community
 What is Public Service?

Definition:
• Public service refers to work or actions done to
benefit the public — especially through government
or community organizations — rather than for private
gain
Key Characteristics of Public Service

– Serves the common good

– Often provided by government or non-profit organizations
– Focuses on equity, safety, education, health, and
community well-being
– Can be voluntary or paid (e.g., civil servants, teachers,
firefighters)
Examples of Public Service

– Teaching in public schools

– Healthcare workers in public hospitals
– Firefighters and police officers
– Public transportation operators
– Volunteering for a food bank or community center
– Government workers (local, state, national)
Why It Matters

• Helps build strong, fair, and safe communities

• Supports people in need

• Promotes civic responsibility and social justice

• Encourages active citizenship

In Service Learning Context:

• Public service is closely connected to civic engagement

and active participation in improving society

• In service learning, students often engage in public

service to apply what they learn in class to real-world
problems
What is Active Citizenry?

• Active citizenry means being informed, engaged,

and involved in the life of your community and
society — not just living in it, but participating in
making it better
Why is Active Citizenry Important?

Protects democracy and human rights

Solves local and global problems (e.g. climate change, poverty)
 Builds stronger, more inclusive communities
Gives people a voice in decisions that affect them
 Encourages lifelong responsibility and civic awareness
How Do People Practice Active Citizenship?

Voting in elections
Volunteering in local initiatives
Speaking out against injustice
Participating in town hall meetings or school councils
Organizing community clean-ups or charity drives
Educating others on social issues
What Does This Mean for You (as a student)?

– Learn about your community’s needs

– Participate in service learning projects
– Stay informed and think critically
– Use your voice — even small actions count
– Be a changemaker, not just a bystander
What Do Religion and Ethics Have to Do with
Service?
• Religions often teach values like:
– Compassion
– Justice
– Generosity
– Responsibility to others

• Ethics ask:
– What is the right thing to do?
– How do we treat others fairly?
– Service learning connects actions with values and beliefs
 Religious Teachings

Religion Key Moral Teaching Service Implication

"Love your neighbor as Help the poor, care
Christianity
yourself." for others
Zakat (charity), justice,
Islam Give to those in need
compassion
Seva (selfless service), Serve without
Hinduism
karma expecting reward
Compassion for all living Reduce suffering
Buddhism
beings through service
Tikkun Olam (repairing the Act to make the world
Judaism
world) better
Why Do These Teachings Matter in Service
Learning?

Help students reflect deeply on why they serve

Connect personal values with community action

Encourage respect for diverse worldviews

Promote a sense of shared humanity

Ethical Principles in Service Learning

– Respect for others (regardless of background or belief)

– Justice (addressing inequality, not just charity)

– Responsibility (acting with intention and care)

– Empathy (seeing the world through others’ eyes)

What is Community Service?

– Voluntary work to help people or improve communities

– Can include education, health, environment, disaster

relief, and more

– In Pakistan, it is rooted in faith, tradition, and civic

responsibility
Religious Foundation of Service in Pakistan
• Pakistan is an Islamic republic — Islam strongly
emphasizes service:
• Zakat (Charity): An obligation to help the poor and needy

• Sadaqah (Voluntary charity): Ongoing good deeds for

others

Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH):

“The best among you are those who bring greatest benefit
to others.”
Cultural and Social Norms
• Pakistani culture emphasizes:

• Family and community support

• Helping neighbors and extended kin
• Respect for elders, orphans, and the less fortunate

• Community service often happens informally — through

neighbors, mosques, and local networks
Examples of Community Service in Pakistan

– Edhi Foundation: Humanitarian services (ambulances,

orphanages, burial services)

– Agha Khan Development Network: Health and education in rural

areas

– Aurat Foundation: Empowerment of women and girls

– Youth volunteerism: Clean-up drives, flood relief, blood donation,

free tutoring
 The Role of Students and Youth
• Universities often require mandatory community service hours

• Platforms like Prime Minister’s Youth Program promote youth

engagement

Young people serve in:

– Teaching underprivileged children
– Tree planting and climate action
– Disaster response (e.g., floods, earthquakes)
• Youth are seen as key agents of change
Challenges to Community Service in Pakistan

– Poverty and limited resources

– Political instability
– Gender barriers in some areas
– Need for more formal training and recognition

• But — despite these, people serve out of faith, empathy,

and solidarity
What is Philanthropy?

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others,

often expressed by donating time, money, or resources for
the public good

Not just charity — it’s about long-term impact and systemic

change
Bill & Melinda Gates (USA)
• Focus Areas: Global health, education, poverty
Founded Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Funded vaccines, disease eradication (polio, malaria), education

• Belief: “All lives have equal value”

Student Connection:
• Use tech or knowledge for good
• Small ideas can become global solutions
Abdul Sattar Edhi
• Focus Areas: Humanitarian aid, orphan care, burial
services
• Founder of Edhi Foundation, Pakistan’s largest welfare
organization
• Lived modestly; known as “Angel of Mercy”
• Belief: “No religion is higher than humanity.”

Student Connection:
• Serve without seeking fame
• Even small acts of kindness matter
What is Active Citizenship

Definition:
Active citizenship means actively participating in the
civic and political life of one's community to bring
about positive change.

• Key Aspects:
Awareness of rights and responsibilities
Participation in democratic processes
Engagement in community service
Why Active Citizenship Matters

• Impact:

 Strengthens democracy
 Promotes social justice
 Builds stronger, more connected communities

• Quote:
• "The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled
by evil men." — Plato
Forms of Active Citizenship
• Voting and civic participation

• Volunteering

• Advocacy and activism

• Community organizing

• Environmental stewardship
Responsibilities of an Active Citizen
• Stay informed about local and global issues

• Respect others' rights and opinions

• Take part in public discussions and decision-making

• Hold leaders accountable

• Support equity and inclusion

Barriers to Active Citizenship
• Political apathy

• Lack of education or awareness

• Disempowerment or fear of reprisal

• Limited access to platforms or resources

Encouraging Active Citizenship
• Civic education in schools

• Community outreach programs

• Youth leadership initiatives

• Digital engagement and social media campaigns

Your Role as an Active Citizen
• Reflect on:

• What issues do you care about?

• How can you contribute to your community?

• What actions can you take today?

Takeaway
• Active citizenship is not just a right—it’s a responsibility.
What Are Rights?

Definition:
• Rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or
entitlement.

Examples:
• Freedom of speech
• Right to vote
• Right to education
• Right to equality before the law
Types of Rights
• Civil Rights – e.g., right to life, freedom of speech

• Political Rights – e.g., right to vote, run for office

• Social Rights – e.g., access to education and healthcare

• Economic Rights – e.g., right to work and earn a fair wage

• Cultural Rights – e.g., practice one's religion or culture

 What Are Responsibilities?
• Definition:
• Responsibilities are duties or obligations citizens are
expected to perform to support their community and nation.

• Examples:
• Obeying laws
• Paying taxes
• Voting in elections
• Serving on a jury
• Respecting others’ rights
Why Responsibilities Matter

• Responsibilities help to:

• Maintain order and peace

• Protect the rights of others
• Strengthen democracy
• Promote fairness and justice
• Encourage active citizenship
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities

Example 1:
• Right: Freedom of speech
• Responsibility: Avoid hate speech and misinformation

Example 2:
• Right: Access to education
• Responsibility: Attend school and respect learning
environments
Youth and Citizenship
• Even if not yet eligible to vote, youth can:

• Participate in community projects

• Stay informed
• Speak up on issues
• Respect others' rights
• Volunteer and help others
Rights and Responsibilities

• Rights and responsibilities hand in hand. To enjoy our

freedoms, we must also contribute to society by
fulfilling our duties.
Rights and Responsibilities in the Constitution
• (Customize with your country’s constitution if needed)

• Example (from the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights):

• Article 21: Right to participate in government

• Implied Responsibility: Be informed, vote, and engage

respectfully
Citizen Rights in Pakistan’s Constitution

Pakistan’s Constitution (1973) guarantees certain

fundamental rights to all citizens to ensure justice, freedom,
and equality.

Purpose of Rights:

• Protect individual dignity

• Promote democracy and equality
• Ensure participation in national development
What Are Fundamental Rights?
• Definition:
• Basic legal protections granted to citizens by the
Constitution.

• Found in:
• Part II, Chapter 1 (Articles 8 to 28) of the Constitution of
Pakistan
Fundamental Rights in the Constitution
Article Right
Art. 9 Right to life and liberty
Art. 10 Safeguard against arrest and detention
Art. 11 Prohibition of slavery and forced labor
Art. 14 Right to dignity and privacy of home
Art. 19 Freedom of speech and expression
Art. 20 Freedom of religion
Art. 25 Equality before the law
Non-discrimination in access to public places and
Art. 26-27
services
Freedom of Speech (Article 19)
• Citizens have the right to:

• Express opinions freely

• Access and share information

• Limits:

• Reasonable restrictions for security, morality, or public

order
Freedom of Religion (Article 20)
• Every citizen has the right to:

• Profess, practice, and propagate their religion

• Establish and manage religious institutions

Equality Before Law (Article 25)
• Article 25(1): All citizens are equal before the law and are
entitled to equal protection of the law.

• Article 25(2): There shall be no discrimination based on

sex.
Rights for Minorities & Women
• Minorities: Freedom of religion, cultural expression, and
protection from discrimination

• Women: Equal rights in education, work, and law

• Children: Protection from abuse, forced labor, and

provision of basic education (Article 25-A)
Are Rights Absolute?
• No. Fundamental rights can be reasonably restricted:

• In times of emergency or war

• To protect national security

• To maintain public order

Citizen Awareness & Responsibility
• Your Role:

• Know your rights

• Stand up against injustice

• Use legal means to defend your rights

• Respect the rights of others

Reflection Question
• Which constitutional right is most important to you and
why?

• Have you ever seen a right being violated? What can be

done about it?
Key Takeaway
• The Constitution of Pakistan protects a broad range of
citizen rights. These rights empower individuals and
strengthen democracy — but they come with duties and
limitations.
Why focus on youth?
• Youth are energetic, innovative, and digitally connected.

• They make up a large portion of the population in many

countries, including Pakistan.

• Civic engagement means actively participating in the

political, social, and community life of a country to
improve it.
Global Youth Population
• According to the United Nations, there are approximately
1.2 billion young people aged 15–24, which makes up
16 % of the global population. By 2030, this number is
projected to rise to nearly 1.3 billion—a 7 % increase

• UNESCO corroborates these figures, noting that this age

group (15–24) accounts for 16 % of the global population
Global Youth Population
• Another source—the UN’s Youth FAQ—gives estimates of
1.222 billion youth in 2025, representing 15.4 % of the
global population.
• The PwC Global Youth Outlook defines a broader age
bracket (10–24 years), estimating 1.8 billion young
people, and notes that 1.9 billion youths will reach age 15
between 2015 and 2030.
• PwC
• There are 1.2 to 1.8 billion young people globally, making
up roughly 15–20 % of the global population.
 Pakistan Youth Population
• As of the 2023 Census, Pakistan’s total population stands at
approximately 241.5 million

• The share of 15–24-year-olds has seen minor fluctuations: it

was 20.9 % in 2010, then slightly declined to 20.0 % by
2023

• In absolute terms, that equates to around 44.7 million youth

aged 15–24 in 2023
 Pakistan Youth Population
• Additional insight from UNDP’s National Human
Development Report reveals that:

• 64 % of Pakistan’s population is under 30

• 29 % are aged 15–29
• Arab News PK
• From the Demographics of Pakistan overview:
• 40.3 % of the population is under 15
• Only 3.7 % are 65 or older
• The median age is a young 19 years.
What is Civic Engagement

Includes:

Voting and political participation

Volunteering and community service

Raising awareness on social issues

Participating in advocacy and activism

Why Youth Engagement Matters
• Brings fresh perspectives and creativity

• Promotes accountability and transparency

• Strengthens democracy and participation

• Builds a sense of responsibility and leadership

Ways Youth Can Engage Civically
• Voting and promoting voter awareness

• Volunteering for social causes

• Creating awareness through social media

• Joining youth councils or student unions

• Participating in peaceful protests or petitions

Youth and Political Participation
• Understanding policies and laws

• Joining political parties or debates

• Running for student or local government offices

• Using platforms like Model UN, Youth Parliaments

Digital Engagement
• Using social media to spread awareness

• Participating in online campaigns and petitions

• Organizing virtual events and fundraisers

• Fighting misinformation with verified facts

Challenges Faced by Youth
• Lack of awareness or civic education

• Political apathy or distrust

• Unemployment and economic pressures

• Lack of platforms to express opinions

How to Encourage Youth Engagement
• Introduce civic education in schools

• Provide platforms for youth voices

• Promote volunteerism

• Support youth leadership programs

• Encourage intergenerational dialogue

What is Civic Activism

Civic activism refers to efforts by individuals or groups to

address issues of public concern through peaceful action,
advocacy, and participation in civic life
What is Civic Activism

• Common Areas:
• Education
• Human rights
• Environment
• Anti-corruption
• Women's empowerment
•Thanks