Service Learning at RPTU: When learning makes the world a better place

Service learning at RPTU combines studying with social commitment: industrial engineering student Philipp Antes has worked with the international aid organization "Action against Hunger". He not only imparted knowledge about famine to children, but also learned a lot of new things himself during this time.

In addition to the theoretical part of their studies, students at RPTU have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-life environment with "Service Learning". The technical content of a seminar is combined with charitable work. Students can choose from various projects - from technical to social tasks. Philipp Antes, a Master's student of industrial engineering at RPTU with a specialization in mechanical engineering, got involved in this way. He decided to work on the educational and sports project "Schools against Hunger" run by the international aid organization (NGO) "Action against Hunger".

Raising awareness of the issues of poverty, famine and injustice

There, he took on the task of teaching primary school children about poverty, famine and injustice. He was able to make topics that initially seemed complex more accessible to children of different ages in interactive presentations. And even more: in addition to imparting knowledge, the school visits were also about motivating the children to get involved. "We looked at questions such as 'Why does hunger occur worldwide?' or 'What role do donations play and why is solidarity so important? It was difficult at first, as the topics are not easy to digest and also unpleasant to discuss. But the children quickly understood what it was all about and were really motivated," says Philipp enthusiastically.

With stories, short videos and illustrative examples, the children quickly understood the background and were able to take what they had learned back to their families. For Philipp, it was moving to see what a big impact his knowledge can have - and how seriously children take global problems.

Expanding your own skills

But for Philipp, the benefits of the project were not just social engagement. It also helped him professionally: he was able to try out presentation techniques, learn strategies for imparting knowledge and expand his organizational skills. He learned how to independently organize events and presentations in front of numerous classes and even entire grades, how to convey complex content in an age-appropriate way and how to take on responsibility beyond the scope of his studies.

For these reasons, Philipp has even decided to remain part of "Action against Hunger" and continue to give talks at schools to encourage fundraising.

Theoretical concepts in reality

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the project for Philipp, however, was the close link to his studies. He was able to see how his specialist knowledge from the lectures could be applied in practice: whether in various donation strategies, such as the principle of peer-to-peer fundraising, where children become active collectors in their own environment, or in understanding donation mechanisms.

He was able to demonstrate all these theoretical concepts directly in reality. It was particularly impressive to see how motivational techniques and theoretical approaches actually had a big impact and motivated children to get involved in the long term. Equally important was the aspect of transparency: the children were shown in concrete terms what happens with the donations and what global benefits can be created as a result.

"It wasn't just any old seminar - I learned an incredible amount and would do it again and again."

Philipp is certain: "The project was a valuable experience. It wasn't just any old seminar - I learned an incredible amount and would do it again and again. You really realize that you're not just studying, but that you can really make a difference!"