Citizenship Education

Citizenship Education in the college is an important component of the overall development of our students. It aims to nurture committed students with character who contribute actively to the college, community and nation. We hope that they will become civic-minded and socially responsible citizens who can make a difference in the lives of others.

In order to achieve our aim, we have designed a host of programmes for our students.

CORE
• Learning journeys
• Raffles Speakers Series
• Commemoration of core events (Total Defence Day, Racial Harmony and International Friendship Week and National Day)
• Encounter Defence Seminar

ADVANCED
• Raffles Meet-the-People Session Attachment Programme
• Citizenship Studies Programme

Community Education

The Community Education programme aims to develop leaders in service to the community as well as to nurture a spirit of active citizenry and civic responsibility in our students. Through the programme, they will be more aware of the needs of the community and develop a better understanding of authentic problems, issues and concerns that affect us today. This will help them become strong leaders with a heart for service.

Approach

The approach to Community Education is largely based on the concept of 'Service-Learning' and is premised on increasing students' ownership of community outreach through initiating their own community service. Hence, there is:

1. Focus on responsible and meaningful engagement, meeting the real needs of the community;
2. Emphasis on humility in service, community voice and student voice; and
3. Preparation for students who wish to initiate service-learning projects.

Student Participation

All Rafflesians are strongly encouraged to initiate or participate in at least one service-learning project over their two years here. Community involvement and service is a key requirement for the highest college awards and prizes.

Service-Learning Programmes

The college provides a range of workshops and courses for students interested in service-learning:

CORE
• Foundations of Service-Learning (FOSL) - one full-day workshop for CIP representatives and any students interested in initiating a service project.
• Service-Learning Facilitation Skills (SLF) - one full-day workshop for student leaders of service projects.

ADVANCED
• Community Advocates - a 2-year issue-based programme linked to CCA that prepares students to be responsible community youth advocates in youth issues, elderly issues and diversity appreciation, and to promote youth activism within and beyond the college.
• International Service Learning Elective (ISLE)
• Raffles Ecological Literacy Programme

TYPES OF LOCAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

Student-initiated projects

Initiated, planned and implemented by students after assessing the needs of the community.
E.g. for
• underprivileged members of society
• worthy causes (environment, animal welfare, etc)
• community work with grassroots and voluntary welfare organisations
• Students are to attend the workshop "Foundations of Service-Learning" before proceeding with their proposals to the college.
• From 2009, students who wish to extend their Project Work project into real world community engagement may do so using this platform.

Student-sourced volunteer opportunities

• Students volunteer for existing programmes of VWOs etc. after getting endorsement from the college.

School-sourced volunteer opportunities

• Students sign up for volunteer opportunities publicised by the college for external organizations.