LSS-1003 Community Service- with Compassion & Empathy CLO 5- Recognize the importance of being a productive member of society both at work and in the broader community.  Prepared by Anamika Vajpeyi Misra, Higher Colleges of Technology, Sharjah Colleges .

Basic Concepts Community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. Community Service is voluntary, unpaid work which is intended to help people unconditionally and to be of social use. The motivation to do community service comes from Empathy and Compassion. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Compassion is the ability to understand the emotional state of another person and having a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another. 

The question here is- Are we born good The question here is- Are we born good? Do we all have desire to help people? Watch the following video to find out what the scientists are finding out in their research https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRvVFW85IcU

Community Service is explained and encouraged in Islam As per Islam, Community service is any form of deed that one may carry out, which its effects extend to benefit fellow human beings, animals, or even the environment surrounding him. Such deeds can be visibly huge contribution to mankind at large or they may be invisible . (Salam, 2013)  One of the significant virtues for Muslims is giving out part of one’s wealth (despite liking it much) to their relatives, to the orphans, to the very poor, to travelers and to those who ask (when in need).(Salam, 2013) 

Community Service at the HCT One of the core values of the HCT is to develop a sense of community service in our students. “We believe that our success is a product of our collective efforts and commitment. We value ownership of and responsibility for decision-making, individual and group initiative, engagement, and empowerment”. Therefore this course aims to help students understand the “Person in Environment” approach. We are all a part of community which extends beyond our families and HCT. Students have a responsibility to engage, understand and develop these communities.

Even kids like to help others ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WABzcRMQ4h8

What is the purpose of community service for the students Community service and voluntary work will help students in focusing on critical and reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. It engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Students are involved in experiential learning, research, presentation skills and reflection. The partnerships are built between community, students and faculty which helps students in addressing local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community.

Helps in academics. Helps you develop organization and management skills (soft skills) Makes you feel good about yourself and motivates you to do better in life Helps you participate in the community Helps you in understanding the issues and strengths of your community Develops ‘problem solving’ approach Forces you to look outside yourself therefore helps you get in touch with reality Research says helping people without expecting any return (altruism) improves mental health Recruiters prefer the students who have community service background

UAE is amongst Top 5 most Empathetic countries in the world! http://www.sciencealert.com/the-most-empathetic-countries-in-the-world- have-just-been-ranked

Class Exercise- Individual/Pairs Identify 2 examples of community service done by the college students in the UAE. Identify a community which you will like to work with? Reflect on why will you like to work with this community? Explain how will you like to work for this community? Device a small plan of action. What resources will you need? Do you expect some challenges during your community service? Reflect on how will your work impact the community? What personal benefits do you expect from serving this community? Research any organization that is already working in the area of community service chosen by you.

References Salam, B. (2013) Social Work and Community Service in Islam. Available at: http://www.gsalam.net/social-work-and-community-service-in-islam/ (Accessed: 18 October 2016). Crew, B. (2016) The most empathetic countries in the world have just been ranked. Available at: http://www.sciencealert.com/the-most-empathetic- countries-in-the-world-have-just-been-ranked (Accessed: 18 October 2016).