UNESCO’S education for sustainable development and global citizenship education frameworks call for transformative action through experiential, participatory learning that nurtures civic agency to make a meaningful impact in communities, both locally and globally (UNESCO, 2019; Shabalala, 2025). In a diverse country like India, the National Education Policy 2020 and University Grants Commission guidelines, emphasize community engagement and social responsibility aiming to foster these values through teaching, research and service in Higher Education institutions across India. This study examines how these policy frameworks translate into meaningful student learning. This case study explores how one multidisciplinary institution has integrated Community Engagement Projects (CEPs) into its curriculum for fostering social responsibility and meaningful civic participation among students. The study seeks to understand the mechanisms through which CEPs are planned, supervised, assessed, and reviewed; the approach of CEP in broadening opportunities of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, nation building and peace; the strengths and gaps in implementing CEPs, particularly relating to institutional capacity, faculty mentoring and training, assessment mechanisms, partnerships with communities; and identify models of fieldwork or community activities that are most effective and worth adopting as institutional best practices. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches, that include surveys, project report analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, namely, students, mentors, faculty coordinators, community partners, and the institutional head. The study will conclude with recommendations for strengthening CEP implementation through structured faculty development, clearer guidelines, and partnerships built on reciprocity and long-term engagement.

Authors:
Gomathi Jatin, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
Sybil Thomas, University of Mumbai, India

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Gomathi Jatin is currently Associate Professor at the Centre of Excellence in Teacher Education at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Her interests revolve around classroom pedagogy, innovative pedagogies, and value education,

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gomathijatin/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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