Sewing New Lives: The Dual Impact of Service-Learning on Sewing Technology Skills on Persons Who Used Drugs and University Student Volunteers
摘要
“Persons who use drugs” (PWUD) refers to individuals who engage in the consumption of illegal substances and other wide-ranging drugs. Previously stereotyped as “drug addicts,” PWUDs dream to rebuild life but often receive social stigma and work discrimination. Cognizant of the importance of retooling the PWUDs’ skills for employment, the 46 students of Clothing Construction of Cebu Technological University-Danao Campus conducted a service-learning (SL) project to teach the nine PWUDs sewing technological skills for two months. The students coached the PWUDs in operating high-speed embroidery machines to sew skirts and blouses for employment. This case study aimed to determine the impact of SL on the PWUDs’ sewing technological skills and on the students’ course content and personal growth. It employed the following mixed-methods data-gathering procedures to determine the SL impact: in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group discussions conducted by independent researchers to minimize bias. As a triangulation, three independent assessors evaluated the PWUDs’ skirts and blouses using the National Competency standardized assessment tool. After the SL, the findings were as follows: (1) Students perceived that their mastery of sewing technology improved personal growth and public service. (2) The PWUDs received the National Certificate II from the assessors, which certified sewing technological competence. The program helped them develop their confidence, which enabled them to rebuild their lives. The study highlighted the impact of SL as a transformative method in teaching technology through community volunteerism.