School as community hub

By Warda Irfan

School is the heart of every society. School has great role in transmitting knowledge, polishing the abilities of children as well as serve as a community integration. A community school is the one where all stakeholders interact and work for wellbeing of society. Any school can establish a community school by adopting the community school partnership and practices.

Community Schools play a key role by serving as centers for families to access a range of services such as health, counseling, justice, personal support and recreation activities that are either linked to or available within the school. In community schools, the school is a hub of the community, serving as a community ‘centre’ and a meeting place where an array of services and supports are available. Collaborative approaches are used to achieve learning excellence and well-being for the entire community.

Community Schools have been successful in helping to address circumstances in higher needs communities which are experiencing growth in roots of urban poverty. The schools provide students a learning environment that meets diverse learning needs, is academically challenging, as well as culturally affirming in respectful and reflective ways. The history of children and youth is taken into consideration along with cultural and socio-economic life experiences.

Each community school is unique and encourages parents and community members to work with teachers to support the school before, during and after hours. Local businesses, community groups, non-profit organizations and individual stakeholders with schools by providing volunteers, in-kind assistance or financial support. The aim of community school is to use society for academics, family, and other community services.