Viewing Service Learning in Basic Education Curriculum through Gender Lens

Typically, functional and relevant educational practices are the thrust oflearning experiences that are service-oriented. Service-learning shapes thethinking and demeanour of the girl-learner to become more concerned withroots of social issues and concerns. Service-learning also helps the girllearner to become more proactive and pragmatic in resolving humanchallenges. Through the process of service-learning, the girl-child’s valuesand subsequent life choices are positively altered. When the girl-child isgiven educational opportunity which empowers her to use her skills andknowledge in real-life situations, learning extends beyond the classroominto the community. Service-learning gives the girl-child authenticeducational experiences and enables her develop empathy for others. Thus,integrating service-learning into pedagogical services delivery will go a longway in developing and enhancing creativity in the girl-child and will alsohave positive influence on overall development of the nation. The paperconcludes by recommending among other things that service-learning beintegrated into the curriculum and that pupils, especially the females shouldbe exposed to service-learning right from the home and the elementaryschool.