Community Service-Learning (CSL)

Learn. Serve. Lead.
Make a Difference.

Community Service-Learning connects learning with meaningful service. Through approved school, club and community activities, students help meet real needs while building confidence, responsibility, leadership and the SAVE qualities that support lifelong success.

Skills. Attitudes.
Values. Excellence.

CSL connects classroom learning, school activities and meaningful service to genuine school and community needs. Through approved, supervised and inclusive activities, students intentionally develop Skills, Attitudes, Values and Excellence (SAVE).

About CSL

What CSL Means

01

Community service

Community service is practical action undertaken to benefit other people, a school, a neighbourhood or the wider community.

02

Service-learning

Service-learning is a structured approach that connects service with learning goals, preparation, reflection and demonstrated growth.

03

Community Service-Learning

Community Service-Learning brings both together. Students respond to real needs, learn through participation and reflection, and develop SAVE through approved clubs, activities and community partnerships.

Programme Goals
01

Strengthen civic responsibility and active citizenship.

02

Develop leadership, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

03

Strengthen positive behaviour, wellbeing and social and emotional competencies.

04

Build stronger partnerships between schools, families, organisations and communities.

05

Give students meaningful opportunities to contribute to national development.

Important

CSL is for all students. It is a nation-building development programme, not a disciplinary or remedial measure.

SAVE

SAVE: The Heart of CSL

SAVE is the developmental foundation and quality standard for CSL. It must be intentionally incorporated into every approved club, activity and service project, not added as an afterthought. Each activity should identify the relevant SAVE outcomes, create opportunities to practise them, and include reflection and feedback on student growth.

S

Skills

Leadership, teamwork, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, planning and practical or technical competencies.

A

Attitudes

Responsibility, respect, discipline, reliability, punctuality, initiative, a positive approach and willingness to serve.

V

Values

Empathy, integrity, citizenship, inclusion, cooperation, gratitude, national pride and care for others and the community.

E

Excellence

Service with quality, consistency, purpose and pride; preparation, perseverance, high standards and continuous improvement - not merely showing up or completing time.

How SAVE Must Be Incorporated

01Plan

Identify the SAVE outcome or outcomes students will practise through the activity.

02Participate

Create real opportunities for students to demonstrate the selected skills, attitudes, values and standards of excellence.

03Observe and support

Give feedback on participation, teamwork, responsibility, punctuality, conduct and growth.

04Reflect

Help students connect their service to what they learn, how they behave and the difference their contribution makes.

05Review and report

Record participation and capture evidence of learning, progress, achievements and areas for improvement.

Application

Every club and activity must show a clear, ongoing connection to SAVE. Individual sessions may emphasise the pillars most relevant to the activity, but SAVE should remain visible in planning, delivery, reflection and feedback.

How CSL Works

How CSL Works - Five Simple Steps

01

Plan

Choose and plan an approved activity with guidance from the school.

02

Participate

Take an active, reliable and respectful role in the service and give your best.

03

Record and verify

Record attendance and meaningful participation using approved CSL records and have it verified by an authorised facilitator or coordinator.

04

Reflect

Consider what was learned, how SAVE was demonstrated and how the service made a difference.

05

Report

Submit verified participation and learning through the school's approved reporting arrangements.

Participation and Activity Standards

Participation and Activity Standards

Activities must be approved by the school or designated CSL Coordinator before students participate.
Activities must be meaningful, community-focused and connected to a genuine school or community need.
Activities must be age-appropriate, safe, supervised and risk-assessed where required.
Participation must be inclusive, with reasonable adjustments or alternative arrangements where needed.
Activities must have a clear link to learning, reflection and SAVE development.
Students are expected to attend reliably, participate actively and record their participation honestly.
Required consent, safeguarding, conduct and verification procedures must be followed.
Student Benefits

Benefits to Students

01

Build confidence, character and a stronger sense of purpose.

02

Develop leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

03

Strengthen responsibility, integrity, punctuality and positive behaviour.

04

Build empathy, citizenship, inclusion, national pride and community awareness.

05

Gain practical experience and readiness for further education, work and community leadership.

06

Build positive relationships with peers, educators, mentors and community partners.

07

Earn recognition for meaningful contributions and create evidence of personal growth.

08

Learn to reflect, make decisions and understand the impact of service.

Roles

Roles at a Glance

Students

Attend, participate actively, follow safety and conduct requirements, reflect and record participation honestly.

Principals

Champion CSL, approve arrangements and support safe, consistent school implementation.

CSL Coordinators

Coordinate, guide, verify, monitor and support reporting and quality across the school.

Facilitators / Club Leaders

Plan approved activities, embed SAVE, supervise students, provide feedback and verify participation.

Parents / Guardians

Understand CSL, provide consent where required and encourage safe, reliable participation.

Volunteers / Partners

Provide approved opportunities, expertise and support for delivery, feedback and verification within programme requirements.

Volunteers

For Volunteers

Welcome

Your time, skills and experience can help young people learn with purpose and serve with impact. CSL invites suitable individuals and organisations to express interest in supporting approved school clubs, service projects, mentoring, skills development and community-based activities.

Across schools, the demand for club leaders, mentors and practical expertise may be greater than existing capacity. Volunteers can help expand opportunities, strengthen school-community partnerships and connect students with real-world knowledge while supporting safe, high-quality delivery.

Ways Volunteers May Support

01

Facilitate or assist with an approved club, activity or service project.

02

Mentor students or coach relevant practical, creative, technical or leadership skills.

03

Help schools and students investigate, plan and deliver a response to a genuine need.

04

Provide approved short talks, demonstrations, training or career and community insight.

05

Support inclusive participation and encourage confidence, responsibility and teamwork.

Volunteer Expectations

Provide accurate information about skills, experience, availability and preferred areas of support.
Complete any required references, vetting, background checks, approvals and orientation.
Work within approved school and Ministry arrangements and communicate through designated contacts.
Follow all safeguarding, supervision, confidentiality, conduct and professional-boundary requirements.
Be reliable, respectful, inclusive and prepared for agreed sessions or activities.
Intentionally reinforce SAVE and provide constructive feedback on student growth.
Please Note

An expression of interest does not guarantee placement. Volunteer involvement is subject to programme needs, suitability, availability, vetting, approval, orientation and school matching.

Resources

Resources and Updates

General updates and approved materials will be posted on this webpage as they are confirmed.

General updates and approved materials will be posted on this webpage as they are confirmed.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

For school-specific questions, students and parents should contact their school's designated Community Service-Learning Coordinator.

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What is Community Service-Learning?

CSL is a structured youth development and citizenship programme that connects approved school and community service with learning, reflection and SAVE development.

How is CSL different from general volunteering?

Volunteering provides service. CSL also includes intentional learning goals, preparation, supervision, reflection, feedback and evidence of student growth.

Is CSL based only on hours?

No. Attendance and participation are recorded, but CSL also focuses on the quality of service, what students learn and how they demonstrate SAVE. Any approved public guidance on time requirements will be communicated through official Ministry and school channels.

What activities may be included?

Approved clubs, school service projects, sports and leadership groups, recognised organisations and other approved activities may be included when they are safe, meaningful, supervised and aligned with CSL and SAVE.

When and where does CSL take place?

CSL will occur during designated school periods and, where approved, under the required supervision and approval arrangements.

Does every club or activity have to include SAVE?

Yes. Every approved club and activity must show how it develops SAVE. Relevant outcomes should be identified during planning and reinforced through participation, reflection and feedback.

How is participation recorded and verified?

Attendance and meaningful participation are recorded using approved CSL records and verified by an authorised facilitator, club leader, coordinator or approved partner.

How is student safety managed?

Activities must be approved, age-appropriate and properly supervised. Required risk assessment, safeguarding, consent, conduct and incident procedures must be followed.

Are students with additional needs included?

Yes. CSL is inclusive. Appropriate adjustments, adapted activities or alternative participation arrangements may be used so students can participate safely and meaningfully.

Support

For school-specific questions, students and parents should contact their school's designated Community Service-Learning Coordinator. General updates and approved materials will be posted on this webpage as they are confirmed.

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