Australian Catholic University (ACU) Selected for Global Service-Learning Program, Uniservitate

Australian Catholic University (ACU) has been selected as one of 20 international institutions to participate in the prestigious Uniservitate program, aimed at promoting service-learning in Catholic higher education institutions worldwide.

Service-learning, also known as community engagement, is a teaching method that combines community service with academic instruction. At ACU, service-learning is inspired by Gospel values and aligns with the university’s mission to address social inequity and injustice through academic learning.

Led by the Latin American Centre for Service-Learning (CLAYSS) and supported by the philanthropic organization PORTICUS, Uniservitate seeks to bring about systematic change in Catholic higher education by integrating academic learning with community engagement. This initiative is in response to Pope Francis’ call for the Church to reach out to marginalized communities and create a more just and supportive society.

ACU has a strong history of community engagement both locally and internationally, with over 3500 students participating in community service experiences in 2021. As one of three universities in the Oceania region selected for the program, ACU will collaborate with Assam Don Bosco University (India) and Fu Jen Catholic University (Taiwan) to enhance their service-learning programs.

Dr. Matthew Pink, National Community Engagement Manager at ACU, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to learn from the global Catholic higher education network and showcase ACU’s work on an international platform. The Uniservitate program will run for the next two years, involving online symposia, leadership training, and the identification of key areas for development in participating universities.

By empowering students to be agents of change for the common good, ACU aims to strengthen its identity as a Catholic university through the Uniservitate program. This collaboration will not only benefit the university but also contribute to creating a more just and compassionate society.

This news story highlights ACU’s commitment to service-learning and community engagement, showcasing the university’s dedication to making a positive impact both locally and globally.