The service learning program is a service-oriented initiative at UCBC that encourages students to serve the community
while they are still studying. Projects include women’s health, entrepreneurship, business strategies for local cacao farmers, and drone-based geo-mapping.
“My service learning project led me to discover my passion of helping people by serving them and participate in the restoration of the Kingdom of God on earth and in their lives,” says UCBC alumnus Amos Taluliva. “Development is not just a western standard, but it is the flourishing of the human life as designed by God.”
Service Learning at UCBC is structured to embed students in their community, and allows them to participate deeply in solving the problems of that community. The program also encourages entrepreneurship. One such example of this is Café Kivu, a recently established coffee shop in Beni, which was the direct result of a service learning partnership.
Amos wants to extend UCBC’s vision of service beyond Beni, and is looking at ways to mobilize more resources for research and initiatives. “Knowledge is good only when it addresses real issues that are faced daily. UCBC has the potential to impact the community around us.”
Past Service-learning Projects
Protecting local water streams – This service learning project was executed by Economics and Advanced English classes. The project identified unprotected water streams in a local community which were susceptible to pollution from trash. After identifying the problem, the classes bought sacks to give to the population (2 sacks for 80 households). These sacks serve as trash bins for the population to avoid water pollution. When the sacks are full, an association called NURU IMPACT comes twice per month to empty them for reuse. Additionally, students dug compost pits for biodegradable waste that serves as fertilizer. (Left – UCBC student, Kavira Balikwisha, digs a compost pit for local community.)
Computer basics and English tutoring with local high school students – UCBC students taught local high school students English and basic computer skills to local secondary schools, Mabakanga Institute and Bungulu Institute. Students from these schools were transported by the UCBC bus to the campus to learn keyboarding skills, basic computer software and components, and English.
