The Paulo Freire Charter School Newark, New Jersey
“No one is born fully-formed: it is through self-experience in the world that we become what we are.” -Paulo Freire

Social Engagement (The Phoenix)

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_ Freire School students participate in Social Engagement through service learning projects aimed at integrating meaningful community service with instruction and reflection. The end result is an enriched learning experience that teaches civic responsibility and strengthens local, national, and global society.

Through service learning projects our students apply what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. They not only learn the practical applications of their studies, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service that they perform, and communities become enhanced.

Students, working with their Service Learning Advisor, select and develop a service learning project that includes one or more of the following elements:

  • Global and International Awareness

  • 21st Century Skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and technological literacy.

  • Hands-on leadership opportunities through social action/social justice campaigns.

  • Early career exposure and exploration through apprenticeship in career fields of interest.   


Examples of service learning projects include, but are not limited to:



Examples of Local Projects:

  • Teacher Cadet Program: The Teacher Cadet Program will provide Freire students with insights into the nature of teaching, the problems of schooling, and the critical issues affecting the quality of education in America’s schools.

  • Co-motion: Through our Co-motion club students learn the fundamentals of organizing and advocacy. Students in Co-motion participate in interactive workshops on areas such as: planning an action campaign, building coalitions, budget planning, and evaluating success.


Examples of National Projects:

  • Close-Up: Students participating in a Close-Up service learning project will learn the fundamentals of U.S. Government and the democratic process.

  • Bank of America Student Leaders Program: Students selected to participate in the BOA Student Leader service learning project will participate in an eight-week paid internship at a charitable organization, and a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC.

 
Examples of International Projects:

  • International Human Rights Project: Students participating in the international human rights projects will identify and research international human rights issues and develop a campaign for social action, which includes public outreach, strategies on engaging the media, and building coalitions.

  • Service Learning Projects Abroad: By participating in Projects Abroad, our students will be able to participate in service learning projects globally. Examples of such projects include, teaching in a Mexican school, working in a veterinary hospital in India, or assisting in a medical facility in Ghana.