Improving Students' Literacy Awareness Through Service Learning in UAE: Children's Language and Activities Bag (CLAB)

This study presents the service learning experience of university students and invites teachers at all levels to make use of the content to improve awareness of the role of literacy. In an elementary Language Education course taught at Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates, 23 students designed a language bag for elementary students to improve children's language ability and promote education and reading in English. Students transformed a curriculum requirement into a service learning project to meet the needs of long-term hospitalized children who could not attend school and were considered literacy-deprived. Theories, concepts and importance of service learning were introduced. University students' reflections showed they realized a greater sense of self, developed a partnership with community members and improved communication skills through discussions and language activities. Adapted from the source document