Learning through social impact

There are some things you can’t learn in a classroom. 

Queen’s Business School know this, which is why they gave 300 International Business Master’s students an experiential learning opportunity, building new infrastructure for a local charity. 

As they transformed 11-acres into a community and sensory garden for children and adults with learning disabilities, they were transformed themselves. 

Taken out of their comfort zones their challenge was to build a series of outdoor equipment for the Compass Advocacy Network (CAN), which supports people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

While building something for others, they built proficiency and resilience in themselves, gaining… 

Leadership skills: through contemplating leadership attributes and their application and adaptation in various contexts. 

Communications skills: through communicating effectively in an unfamiliar and high-energy environment. 

Team-working skills: through considering the complexities of working together as a high performing team to ensure each individual’s strengths are maximised. 

Like our Project Manager Lloyd Comer told them:

TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More.

This is experiential learning through social impact.

Part of the charity’s strategy is to promote health and wellbeing and the new infrastructure will enable the charity to offer even more support at its Lislagan Farm site in Ballymoney. The project has transformed an open grassy area into an imaginative play, relaxation and learning space. Students also constructed a social enterprise cabin for adults with learning disabilities to learn woodwork. 

The Master’s students at Queen’s Business School worked really hard come (horizontal) rain or shine and their compassion and commitment shone brightly. 

Here’s what they said:

Emily, day four student: 

“We learnt all sorts of transferable skills; I’m a management student and was able to lead a team and collaborate with students from different courses. We’re only here for a year so this has given us the opportunity to have an impact in the community and give something back.” 

Lydia, day six student:

“Teamwork is about talking and listening, give and take, not overpowering anyone else, everyone having a say.”

Others said: 

“This meaningful project stands as a testament to the power of the collective in making real change in society.” 

“I’m so grateful to have been part of this amazing project; making a difference in people’s lives.  

“It was an absolute privilege, and the skills gained from today are things I will carry with me for a lifetime.  

“Thank you for letting me be a part of such a rewarding project.” 

“I’m so proud to be part of this amazing project, working alongside the passionate team at Splash Projects and CAN (Compass Advocacy Network Ltd) has been both inspiring and rewarding.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back.”

The charity’s vision is for the farm to be a respite village, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. 

Janet Schofield, CEO, Compass Advocacy Network, said:  

“In just seven days, we saw this beautiful garden, co-designed with our CAN community, come to life. Alongside it, we now have a new woodworking shed to support our social enterprise activities. Despite the unpredictable Northern Irish weather, the teams’ dedication never wavered.

“The hard work of all those involved has created a space that will be cherished by children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other neurodiversities for years to come.”