Empowering adolescents and communities through service-learning in Zambia and Sri Lanka

• In Event: Strengthening Adolescent Resilience: Insights from Socio-Ecological Model-based Programs in Diverse Contexts

Proposal

World Vision International uses a Positive Youth Development approach to adolescent well-being called IMPACT+, a life skills programme that fosters the skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for participation in social, civic, and economic life. Based on an experiential learning pedagogy, IMPACT+ enhances developmental assets and self-efficacy, health relationships with peers, trusted adults, and caregivers, and meaningful participation in community initiatives through club activities and community service-learning projects.
IMPACT+, implemented by WV Zambia (WVZ), play a significant role in enhancing adolescent well-being and community development. Focusing on child participation, over 130 clubs have been established, with over 1,500 active adolescent members across 9 (out of 10) provinces, where over 50% of the population are adolescents and children. IMPACT+ has empowered these adolescents through community service-learning (CSL) projects, and has enhanced contributions to livelihoods and climate action. Such initiatives not only develop life skills but also improve livelihoods for both adolescents and their families. CSL projects have included chicken rearing and vegetable gardening, contributing to household food security, and educating communities about growing drought-resistant crops. Some IMPACT+ clubs have collaborated with the Government, exemplified by one club's partnership with the Ministry of Green Economy to raise awareness about deforestation and charcoal production.
World Vision Lanka (WVL) is implementing IMPACT+ in 15 districts. A review of these projects showed that engaging in these initiatives increased adolescents’ autonomy as individuals and as groups to influence their social spheres and bring meaningful change to their communities. Prior to these projects, the adolescents were empowered with values and skills to identify common needs, design solutions, and implement them. As such, these projects commonly reflected the capabilities of the individual child’s functioning and how they collectively work for the needs of their society. In this process, the community too got engaged and supported in reaching the desired results.
One key outcome was a salient change in the community’s perspective toward adolescent behavior. Adults started to witness the potential and role of adolescents in society and thus ensured their contribution. The projects encompassed areas such as building awareness on drug abuse, hygiene, child rights and protection, gender, disability, education, social cohesion, inter-religious activities, performing arts, saving habits, sexuality and reproduction, first aid, psycho-social support, and environmental protection. Meanwhile, over 500 club leaders who are the driving force for these adolescents stayed committed mainly due to their commitment towards volunteerism and desire to serve their own population and create bonds with the children.
Through storytelling and outcome monitoring data, this presentation will analyse the dual impact of IMPACT+ and CSL projects on adolescent well-being and community well-being in a socio-ecological framework. We will also explore the scalability and sustainability of this approach, focusing on the adaptation of its components across diverse contexts. The CSL projects not only benefit the in- and out-of-school adolescents but also uplift their families and communities at large. The success of these clubs demonstrates the significance of service-learning in schools and communities, celebrating the positive impact on adolescent well-being and community development.

Author

• Margaret Phiri Mushingo, World Vision Zambia