Participants of Uniservitate Regional Event visit Fu Jen Catholic University’s Service-Learning Partners

To gain insights into best practices and apply them in their own universities, participants of the Uniservitate Regional Events visited Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU) and its Service-Learning community partners on September 23, 2024.

In the morning, participants visited the New Taipei City Homeless Home, where they toured the facility, interacted with residents, and learned about the services aimed at helping individuals reintegrate into society. Hsiao-Ying Hsu, the Social Work Supervisor, explained how Taipei citizens can access the center’s services and emphasized the positive outcomes for former residents. Key FJCU faculty members, including Yu Ting Chen from the Social Innovation and Non-profit Organization Research Center, and Professor Theresa Wang from the Medical Department, shared how the university promotes social responsibility among students through Service-Learning programs.

In the afternoon, participants visited a Service-Learning Site near the FJCU Campus, where Professor Jung-Yi Lai from the Landscape Design Department presented the University Social Responsibility Program. The program involved the development of an urban landscape project, which was accepted by the New Taipei City government and is set to be implemented in the city. The group then participated in a cultural tour of Xinzhuang Old Street, led by Professor Doris Li-wen Chang from the English Language and Literature Department. The tour highlighted the historical significance of the area and its role in inspiring sustainable, community-focused innovations such development of interactive online maps and promotional videos for Xinzhuang tourism.

Overall, the event underscored the vital role of Service-Learning in fostering social responsibility to the community.

DLSU serves as the Regional Hub for Asia and Oceania in the Uniservitate Program, spearheading efforts to advance service-learning across the region. Through the leadership of the Center for Social Concern and Action, the program fosters the institutionalization of service-learning practices within partner universities, promoting greater social engagement and academic integration.