Reaching Out to Partner Organizations during the Pandemic through E-Service Learning

Abstract

The unprecedented closure of schools in the Philippines amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutions to transition from conventional learning to online learning. The DLSU partner organizations belonging to the poor and
marginalized sectors of society were heavily affected by the community quarantines that the national government imposed in the entire Metro Manila. Mindful of its role in society, the DLSU continues to learn while pursuing social engagement through electronic Service-Learning (e-SL). The e-SL allowed the students to reach out to these partner organizations through online delivery of service. The purpose of this study is to 1) describe the situation of the select partner organizations and their members during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic; 2) identify the e-SL activities extended by the students to select partner organizations. To answer these research questions, a quantitative and qualitative research design was employed by administering an online survey to partner organization representatives. Results of the study revealed that most members of the partner
organizations lost their jobs and sources of livelihood. In response, the DLSU students conducted a donation drive to raise funds to purchase food packs, medicines, and hygiene supplies for the immediate need of the members of the organizations. Community leaders’ participation in the entire e-SL project activities resulted in developing a more sustainable projects such as capacity building, development of educational materials, and organizational development activities.