The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Social Sciences hosted a seminar by Nikki Green, an occupational therapist and a service-learning coordinator at Rhodes University Community Engagement.

Nikki used the session to draw from her experience implementing service-learning programmes across institutions and disciplines.

“Service-learning is more than volunteer work. It is about integrating meaningful community engagement with academic study,” said Nikki.

She shared practical approaches from her time at Rhodes University and the University of the Western Cape, focusing on how educators can embed service-learning into the curriculum. She encouraged participants to reflect on power dynamics, co-creation and justice within the teaching and learning space.

“Knowledge comes in many forms: experiential, cultural and intellectual,” she said, inviting attendees to explore their understanding of service-learning.

The seminar introduced models along a service-learning spectrum, from community-based learning to physical service-learning. Nikki explained how each model requires different levels of engagement, assessment and ethical commitment.

She described community-based learning as including emotional experiences and lectures not necessarily linked to academic outcomes. In addition, service-learning ties directly into curriculum goals with structured reflection. Physical service-learning engages with power and positionality, encouraging long-term community involvement.

“Service-learning challenges the university to reimagine its role, not as an expert, but as a co-learner in society,” Nikki noted.

Nikki highlighted the mutual benefits of service-learning. Students gain skills, apply theory to real-life issues and develop empathy. Community partners receive knowledge and technical support. Universities maintain relevance and social responsiveness.

She emphasised intentional curriculum design, starting with the identification of community priorities and building ethical and reciprocal partnerships.

“Start small. Build relationships with community partners. Align your academic outcomes with real needs,” she advised.

Participants were invited to ask questions and share their experiences. Nikki stressed the need for long-term collaboration and reflection to avoid exploitation and ensure mutual benefit.

“Wherever you are on the spectrum, there is space to grow. The journey matters,” she concluded.

Nikki Green presents strategies for embedding service learning into university curricula during a seminar hosted by the School of Social Sciences.