E-Service-Learning for Boosting Academic Civic Engagement in Rural Areas
Erasmus+ project
Project Reference: 2024-1-SK01-KA220-HED-000245367
Topic: Integrate e-service-learning practices in rural settings
Project timeline: 01/10/2024-30/09/2027
Contact: info@civenhance.eu
Project Description
CIVENHANCE is an Erasmus+ project that aims to integrate e-Service-Learning (e-SL) practices in rural settings, generating lasting impact. The project promotes the development of faculty’s skills in the design and implementation of e-SL activities, fostering civic engagement and creating stronger connections between universities and rural communities.
To this end, CIVENHANCE will develop a training course for faculty, preparing them to lead students in e-SL projects and a customized orientation course for students to prepare them for meaningful civic engagement. A key element will be the development of an AI-based match-making platform to facilitate collaboration among institutions, faculty, students and rural community partners to create lasting partnerships for social inclusion, civic engagement and community development.
Project Objectives
- Make higher education systems more inclusive by promoting civic engagement through the adoption of e-SL in rural communities and recognizing community work in student academic achievements;
- Promote e-SL as an innovative pedagogical proposal through a modular online and in-person course for faculty to organize and implement e-SL projects targeting partners in rural and remote communities;
- Recognize excellence in learning, teaching and skills development by promoting an innovative and entrepreneurial approach of universities and faculty, including the creation of partnerships with land-based organizations, especially partners from rural and remote area communities, through an innovative digital platform;
- Train university faculty to support students in interacting with rural partners, enriching their learning experiences and contributing to the betterment of society.
Partners
- Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystirci (UMB) – Slovakia (coordinator)
- Libera Universita Maria SS. Assunta di Roma (LUMSA) – Italy
- Pädagogische Hochschule Wien (PHW) – Austria
- Sveuciliste u Zagrebu (UNIZG) – Croatia
- Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) – Spain
- Universitat Ramon Llull Fundacio (URL) – Spain
Associated Partner
- European Association of Service-Learning in Higher Education (EASLHE) – Belgium
Outputs
E-service-learning in rural areas
Course for university faculty to enhance skills to design, implement and evaluate rural e-SL projects promoting civic engagement and providing recognition of community work in students' academic achievements
Student Civic Orientation Pathway
Course for students to meaningfully interact with communities and contribute positively to society
Match Making Platform
Digital platform for collaboration between universities, faculty and rural community partners through e-SL projects
Dissemination
Dissemination activities emphasizing the importance of e-SL for social inclusion, civic engagement, resilience, prosperity and sustainability
