"Community Service" by Miriam Murphy
Miriam Murphy, Copenhagen International School
NSLC, UNESCO
The educational philosophy of the international baccalaureate organisation stresses the development of the whole person. Its concerns extend beyond the assumed focus on academic and intellectual achievement and encourages responsible citizenship in the world outside the classroom. Community Service enables students to increase their awareness of the world around them by providing them with first hand experience. Students grow emotionally and socially as they widen their horizons and partake in activities that may be new to them. Community service fosters an altruistic attitude; increases the students' sense of responsibility and self-esteem and gives insight into different social patterns and ways of life. Community Service gives students the opportunity of participating directly in activities outside the school using the talents and skill developed in school and elsewhere. Activities may vary considerably but should always respond to a social need and be of benefit to society.
Murphy, Miriam, "Community Service" (1998). International Service Learning & Community Engagement. 10.