A delegation from Bethlehem University represented the institution at the V Global Symposium on Service-Learning, held in Rome on November 7-8, 2024. Organized by the Latin American Center for Service-Learning (CLAYSS) and LUMSA University in Italy, the symposium gathered over 200 representatives from Catholic universities worldwide to advance service learning and celebrate the winning service-learning initiatives in the Global Uniservitate Award.
Panel Discussions:
Bethlehem University’s delegation actively participated in various panel discussions that emphasized service-learning’s role in transforming education. During the various sessions on the Institutionalization of Service-Learning, representatives from the university highlighted the progress that the university achieved in this regard, mainly the role of the Institute for Community Engagement & Partnership (ICEP) as a key institutional structure at Bethlehem University to oversee and guide the process of service learning integration, as well as the efforts of the Deanships of the Faculties of Arts, Nursing, and Education to integrate service-learning into the academic frameworks of these faculties. Another key panel, focusing on Spirituality and Service-Learning, featured Brother Alejandro González Cerna of Bethlehem University as a prominent speaker. He reflected on the spiritual dimension of service-learning, emphasizing how pedagogy nurtures holistic education by combining intellectual, practical, and spiritual growth to address pressing societal needs.
Uniservitate Award Ceremony and Presentation:
The symposium featured an award ceremony recognizing the winners of the Universitate Global Award for Service-Learning 2024. Bethlehem University was honored with the prestigious award with a Special Mention for two initiatives from the Department of English and Communication/ Faculty of Arts, and the Departments of Nursing and Midwifery/ Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, which competed within the Uniservitate’s Hub for Eastern and Central Europe, and the Middle East.
The celebration also provided a platform for the winners to present their initiatives in which Mr. Ramzi Asali presented the initiative from the Department of English and Communication “Global Citizenship, Sustainability, and Service-Learning” on behalf of his team, which included Mr. Layth R. Awwad and Ms. Ruba Ayyad. In addition, Dr. Hanan Saca-Hazboun presented the initiative from the Departments of Nursing and Midwifery which comprised the projects that were supervised by Dr. Hanan alongside Ms. Amal Abu Nijmeh-Fakhouri and Ms. Fatima Madani-Hamad. The initiave focused on raising awareness about child health and first aid interventions for children with special needs, parents, rehabilitation institutions, and kindergarten teachers and staff. It also encompassed a variety of activities including community health campaigns, breast cancer awareness initiatives, and the development of digital platforms offering health advice to women in crisis, especially those who are unable to reach health services because of the genocidal campaign in Gaza.
Networking at Australian Catholic University:
The symposium also included another session that took place at the Australian Catholic University campus in Rome in which Bethlehem University’s delegation actively contributed to the activities. Participants were divided into two parallel groups: one for award-winning teachers and students, and the other for board members, hubs, and institutional representatives. During these sessions, Mr. Awwad presented the work of the regional hub, “Central & Eastern Europe and the Middle East,” to representatives from various hubs. He summarized and synthesized discussions on service-learning projects, highlighting both the successes achieved and the challenges faced by the region.
Training the Trainers:
As part of the symposium, Bethlehem University’s delegation participated in a specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) session on service-learning. This session, led by esteemed educators and researchers, focused on key elements of service-learning and its application in various contexts, including conflict and war. This training equipped participants with knowledge and skills to serve as trainers for universities that will soon join the Uniservitate Hub for Central, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, further expanding the university’s influence in the region.
A Memorable Audience with Pope Francis:
The symposium culminated in a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. During the meeting, the Supreme Pontiff commended participants for their dedication to transforming education through service-learning. Echoing the symposium’s theme of “transformation from the heart,” he urged educators to lead meaningful change by integrating values, knowledge, and action.
Looking Forward:
Bethlehem University’s active involvement in the symposium and its recognition at the Uniservitate Award ceremony underscore its role as a leader in service-learning. By institutionalizing this pedagogical approach, the university continues to inspire educational innovation, fostering a culture of social responsibility, sustainability, and intercultural collaboration in higher education.
