Service across cultures: Experiences from the UNZA - SJSU service learning project

Though an old concept, service learning - a dynamic learning experience that exposes students to a wide array of experiences that benefit themselves and the community while advancing the goals of a particular curriculum - gained prominence in the late 19^th century. The University of Zambia – San Jose State University Service Learning (UNZA – SJSU SL) program at the University of Zambia (UNZA) was initiated in 2005 by Prof. Lewis Aptekar of San Jose State University (SJSU) in California and was co-coordinated through the Psychology Department (UNZA) with the aim of enhancing cross-cultural awareness between Zambian and American students and to build a partnership between the two universities. In addition, it was aimed at carrying out joint service-learning projects in various low-income communities of Lusaka. Between 2005 and 2009, the collaboration had produced 5 cohorts of more than 70 SJSU graduate students partnering with more than 100 UNZA undergraduate students who worked in low-income communities of Lusaka on various community-based service programs. These focused on (1) promoting children’s rights and assertiveness; (2) providing free HIV and AIDS counseling services at the UNZA health care centre; and (3) working with vulnerable children living on the streets of Lusaka. The present study examines and reflects on the experiences of the UNZA and SJSU students on the UNZA-SJSU SL program over its duration. It examines lessons learned and challenges faced which can be used to enhance cross-cultural relations between institutions and scientists. Successes and recommendations are also documented.