A SPICE 2003 Program
Community Clean-up Day
St. Malachy School
Los Angeles, California
"Where there is darkness, let me sow light."
The dynamics of South Central Los Angeles have always been in constant transition. The surrounding area is permeated with economic hardship, misunderstanding, and diminished expectations. As a result, crime, gangs, intolerance, and fear have penetrated every aspect of the community. Those who live in the community search for hope and identity, especially students.
To overcome the power of poverty, St. Malachy School creates a service-learning program that changes the way our students see their school, their community, and themselves.
Students of all ages divide into "family" groups. These families become service-learning teams that beautify the community by removing graffiti, cleaning urban alleyways, and interacting with the community.
Activities facilitated by the Student Council develop family unity. Students recognize their power to serve when each family divides into Spirit Teams to create service-learning presentations. Older students give speeches. Middle-grade students present essay excerpts. The youngest illustrate these speeches and essays. Each family selects one Spirit Team to present before the school.
Ultimately examining their healing impact enables students to persevere and overcome.
St. Malachy's model of character education, community formation, and student empowerment can create change anywhere.
