5th Annual Africa Conference on Service Learning
The 5th Annual Africa Conference on Service Learning, was held online on 7th – 8th May 2026 under the theme, “Walking Together for Peace: Spirituality, Synodality and Service Learning in Catholic Higher Education Institutions.” The conference brought together Vice-Chancellors, institutional coordinators, faculty, students, alumni, community partners, and global partners from across Africa and beyond to explore how Service Learning can nurture peace, justice, and transformation in our communities.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Judith Pete, the Africa Regional Hub Coordinator for Uniservitate and framing remarks from Prof. Maria Rosa Tapia, Global Director of the Uniservitate Service Learning Program, who both reminded participants that Service Learning is not merely a pedagogical tool but a spiritual and social mission rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. They called on universities to embrace synodality, that is, walking together as both a method and a mindset for addressing the gaps in our world.
Across the two days, participants engaged in the following sub-themes:
- Service Learning and Faith-Driven Transformation in a Digital Age, which featured a panel of Rectors and Vice-Chancellors from across the Africa Hub. These institutional heads shared reflections on how they are integrating Service Learning into their strategic plans, curricula, and institutional cultures, even as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation.
- Migration, Citizenship and Peacebuilding subtheme that explored the role of Service Learning in addressing some of the most pressing social challenges of our time, including forced displacement and community conflict. The panelists argued that Service Learning offers a unique pathway for promoting empathy, building bridges between host communities and displaced persons, and equipping students with the skills to become peacebuilders in fractured societies.
- Indigenous Knowledge, Ubuntu and Service Learning subtheme that sought to reclaim African wisdom for peace and community transformation. Led by institutional coordinators from across the Africa Regional Hub, this session reminded participants that Service Learning in Africa must be rooted in local knowledge systems. Concepts such as Ubuntu (“I am because we are”) and other indigenous philosophies of communal care and mutual responsibility offer a rich foundation for rethinking service as reciprocal relationship rather than top-down charity.
- Artificial Intelligence, Youth and Ethical Responsibility, was a student-led subtheme that brought together young scholars from across the Africa Hub, including representatives from Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Malawi, and the DRC. The session featured presentations and debates on the opportunities and risks of AI in Service Learning. Students explored questions such as: How can AI enhance community needs assessments and impact evaluations? What are the ethical dangers of using AI in contexts of vulnerability? And how can young people be empowered to shape AI governance rather than simply being users of technology? The session by students demonstrated that the future of Service Learning is in capable and thoughtful hands.
The conference featured other sessions including:
- Insightful keynote and guest addresses from Prof. Candelaria Ferrara, Global Hubs Coordinator, and Prof. Marcel Uwineza, Principal of Hekima College.
- A Lightning Talk that allowed alumni to share powerful lived experiences of Service Learning, with panelists including Tom Nyawir, Founder and Director of Mirror of Hope and Sr. Anne Wandia from Cheshire Home for Destitute Elderly in Kariobangi, who shared how through Service Learning they have transformed communities they serve.
- A Round Table discussion on the role of research and global networks in understanding Service Learning that featured Prof. Beatrix Bouwman, Dr. Titus Pacho, Dr. Aloys Ojore, and Br. Dr. Tom Kearney. The panelists emphasized that Service Learning cannot thrive on good intentions alone; it requires rigorous research, continuous reflection, and robust global networks for sharing best practices and lessons learned.
- A vibrant Music Festival led by Loyola University of Congo (ULC), celebrating the spirit of synodality and joy in service.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “Education is an act of hope that invites participation and transformation. When learning is connected with service, it forms people capable of building a more just and fraternal world.” We look forward to continuing this journey together as we walk, learn, and serve for peace.
Date: 8th–9th May 2025
Lead: Africa Regional Hub – Tangaza University, Nairobi
Modality: Free Online Participation
To register use the following link: 
At CLAYSS, we begin 2025 by designing the event that awaits those working for transformative and impactful education in communities around the world each year.
On Wednesday 20th the VII Researchers Day on AYSS will take place, while on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd the 28th International Seminar on Learning and Solidarity Service will take place, a face-to-face event with prior registration and free access, which brings together prominent specialists, both domestic and from abroad.
In addition, the activities planned for the Week include the Meeting of the Global @Uniservitate program of AYSS in Catholic Higher Education and the Meeting of #REDIBAS (Iberoamerican Network of Learning-Service), both by invitation.
From CLAYSS we invite everyone to join this new international meeting of Education.
Join Us for the 3rd Annual Africa 
Dates: 5th – 6th September 2024
Venue: Tangaza University, Nairobi
Modality: Free Onsite and Online
Register Here: 
