Last 8-9 November, the IV Uniservitate Global Symposium, hosted at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines, brought together approximately five hundred educators, experts, and service-learning implementers from five continents. This diverse gathering encompassed both in-person attendees and a global audience via streaming, all united in a shared pursuit, as articulated by Brother Bernard Oca, the president of DLSU: "to learn from each other."
In Photo: Group Photo of the IV Uniservitate Global Symposium Delegates
Throughout the symposium, participants heeded the call by Richard Brosse, representing Porticus, to explore courageously and curiously the "uncomfortable mission" of service-learning within the complex and evolving epoch facing humanity.
Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan actively participated in the Symposium through its Service Learning formators, John Louis Caga and Victoria Melissa Pulido. Their contributions enriched discussions on service-learning methodologies and best practices, highlighting the institution's commitment to fostering engaged and socially responsible leaders.
In Photo: From R-L are representatives from Xavier Ateneo, John Louis Caga and Victoria Melissa Pulido with the delegates fom Ateneo de Davao University
The event saw distinguished representatives, including Antonella Sciarrone Alibrandi from the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education, delivering a video message reinforcing the Dicastery's endorsement of Uniservitate. Sciarrone praised the program's innovative approach to education, recognizing service as a vital facet of learning in the current educational landscape.
Nieves Tapia, Founder and Director of CLAYSS, expressed gratitude to those involved in making the Symposium a rewarding and enriching experience. Maria Rosa Tapia, Coordinator of Uniservitate, provided a profound reflection on experiences that contribute to sustainable social change.
The climax of the symposium arrived with an unexpected message from Pope Francis. Expressing gratitude for the Symposium's efforts, the Pope lauded service-learning pedagogy for its comprehensive approach to education. Emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary methods, he stressed the importance of guiding young people to become leaders in forging a better future for society.
In Photo: Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub
The concluding day centered on community partnerships and spiritual reflection as tools for social change through service-learning. Jimi Caldea, Coordinator of the Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub, expounded on the concept of Communion as intersubjectivity, while Lasallian Brother Michael Valenzuela shared a powerful narrative highlighting the transformative potential of service-learning within a Christian perspective. While, Maria Rosa Tapia underlined the challenges service-learning poses to educators, urging them to align their teaching methods with their mission, spirituality, pedagogical proposals, and societal roles in the face of pressing global challenges.
Alongside the symposium, a Regional Meeting for the Asia and Oceania Hub convened to deliberate on the tangible impact of service-learning in the Philippines. Representatives visited local institutions such as the Philippine National School for the Blind and the Tañada-Diokno School of Law. These visits showcased firsthand the profound effects of service-learning on communities and students dedicated to community engagement.
The Regional Meeting also provided a platform for participants to exchange updates and advancements in service-learning institutionalization, monitoring, and evaluation processes, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared progress.
The symposium, with its diverse discussions and shared experiences, affirmed the vital role of service-learning in shaping conscientious leaders committed to effecting positive societal change. As the symposium concluded, its resonance continues, serving as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action toward a more engaged, empathetic, and service-oriented global community.