Leagan Gaeilge   Text Version   Display: Zoom (-) (+)   View ( Normal High contrast ) Printer Friendly  A to Z  Sitemap

The Community Knowledge Initiative is a major, strategic project supported both by the university and substantial external donations.

It encourages greater 'civic engagement,' linking university and community.

Funded by a range of philanthropic trusts, this project represents a major strategic initiative in the university to develop and strengthen Civic Engagement, linking the university, the local community and wider society. CKI has its own Web site ( http://www.nuigalway.ie/cki) but is based in CELT. It is best described by its major activities and these are:

(1) Service Learning
Whereby students work with community groups, charities and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) as part of their studies. They are encouraged to reflect critically on the work that they do (their service) and, where possible, integrate this into their subject area of study. Academic credit is provided for the results of this critical reflection (reports, papers, etc) and helps bridge the gap between academic study and real-world practical experience. Service Learning is being piloted in a number of courses in NUI, Galway and many students have engaged in service either in Ireland or around the developing and developed world.

(2) Student Volunteering
NUI Galway has successfully developed the ALIVE programme to recognise and reward students’ voluntary activity in the community. Hundreds of students are currently engaged in the programme and it allows volunteers to develop their own practical skills and civic awareness.

(3) Research
The third strand to CKI is its research activity, focusing on the needs of community, the civic mission of higher education and in exploring the research dimension of volunteerism, service learning and models of university-community partnership.

(4) Knowledge Sharing
This strand is about breaking down the barriers between the institutions of higher learning and the wider community by disseminating information in both directions, and is currently being pursued through the development of a public webcasting service, production of publications, commissioning reports on local needs, and a range of community based activities such as the Roundstone Colloquium Series.

Further Information

For full details of its extensive programmes, visit the CKI pages on this Web site.

 

    

• Disclaimer
• Privacy
• Copyright
• Accessibility