Loyola University New Orleans Department of Residential Life is a featured program.
Residential Life recently developed a Community Partnership and Service program, as part of our newly developed Community Development Model that was instated for the 2013-2014 academic year.
We have the great privilege to work with the Edible Schoolyard program at two local elementary schools in the New Orleans Area! Our students work with school staff and students at each location, in order to assist them in their maintenance of a fully sustainable garden that supports their students, their families, and the community around them. Even further, students reflect on issues related to sustainability and community action in regards to their personal experiences or dedication to community service.
Once a month, a group of Loyola students travels to two local elementary schools to dedicate time to each of their Edible Schoolyard programs. At our partnership sites, students are able to learn about the Edible Schoolyard’s mission and social impact, learn basic gardening skills, build community with each other as students, and take time to reflect on their experience! Our commitment to service as a department is supportive of our Jesuit identity and tradition. Jesuit values incorporate a search for meaning and development of students as global citizens who are committed to those around them. Our commitment to the Edible Schoolyard program is just that – a commitment to service to others, as well as intellectual contemplation on social justice issues such as sustainability and food security.
We take great pride in the dedication our students have to our community partnership and know that these events are looked forward to by both our residents and staff alike!
Submitted by Chris Rice, Associate Director of Residential Life, Loyola University New Orleans