It’s been a challenging term. The shift to online learning has not been ideal for anyone, but it has been particularly challenging for our department. Our pedagogical approach relies on dialogue and relationship building in a small safe supportive environment. Meeting together or Zoom or other online platforms does not inspire the kinds of discussions that normally take place. Nonetheless, we are powering through looking forward to the day when we can gather again at Merchants Corner.

I need to get back to my marking, and hope to return to update this post soon. But i thought i’d take a few minutes to highlight a bit of inspiration in the midst of a less than uplifting year. The Department of Urban and Inner-City Studies Inner-City Work Study program was able to adapt despite the challenges. Students participated in the classroom component online. Some 20+ students were matched with paid work internships with non-profit community-based organizations in the inner city. Some students supported community based organizations from their homes, while others worked in the community, complying with strict protection protocols. This story features two of our students.

This is just one example of the kinds of things universities can do – are doing – to integrate learning with community services. Providing students an opportunity to gain new skills, develop empathy and understanding as they immerse themselves in inner-city practice.