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?
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 ones 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).