Windward Community College will host a Service-Learning Fair on Wednesday, February 10, noon–2 p.m. in Hale ʻĀkoakoa 101-105. Up to 45 non-profit organizations will be present to share information about volunteer opportunities and the wonderful services our community organizations provide. Students and the community are invited to this free event.
The primary purpose of the Service-Learning Fair is to help Windward CC students identify community groups with whom they can volunteer during the semester as part of their coursework. It provides students experience applying their coursework to the real world while contributing to their community in a positive way. Community members are also welcome to connect with community organizations on volunteer opportunities.
More than volunteerism
Service-learning is the application and practice of academic learning in ways that benefit the community. It is more than volunteerism and students gain experience in applying their coursework to the real world.
“Students feel very positive about the real life experiences they have when involved in service-learning for their academic classes and often express their feelings that giving back feels really good. Community organizations appreciate the energy, dedication and service that Windward Community College students provide to the clients served by these local organizations,” said Sharon MacQuoid, Windward CC service-learning coordinator.
A sampling of community partners where Windward CC students have volunteered:
- Heʻeia Elementary School
- Heʻeia Fishpond
- Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens
- Hope Chapel Olomana
- Kahuku Elementary, A+ Program
- Kamehameha Schools
- KEY Project
- Koʻolau Clubhouse
- Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle
- Māhuahua Ai o Hoi
- Malama I Nā Ahupuaʻa
- Mokapu Elementary School
- Paepae O Heʻeia
- Papahana Kuaola
- Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center
- Red Eye Connections
- Special Olympics Hawaii
- W.I.N.G.S. Autism Learning Center
- Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate
- Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance
- Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi
- Ahuimanu Elementary School
- Aikahi Elementary School
- Aloha Nursing and Rehab Center
- Animal Care Foundation
- Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi
- Boys and Girls Club Hawaii
- Bristol Hospice
- Castle High School
- Castle Medical Center
- Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi
- Green House Sustainable Learning Center
- Habilitat, Inc.
- Hale Kealoha-Ai Pono
- Hale Kuʻike
- Hale Ola Windward Abuse Shelter
- Hauʻula Elementary School
- Hawaiian Humane Society
- HCAP-Puohala Headstart
For more information on service-learning or to request a table (at no charge) for your non-profit organization at the Service-Learning Fair, please contact Sharon MacQuoid, Windward CC service-learning coordinator, via email or at (808) 236-9225.
—By Bonnie Beatson
