Service learning: A vehicle for developing cultural competence in health education

Objective: To discuss the connections between multicultural education, serv ice learning, and the development of professional competencies, Methods: Qu alitative data were collected from reflective papers, classroom observation s, and pamphlets of students (n=125) involved in community-based learning, Results: The findings of the study revealed three major themes related to s ervice learning and cultural competence: (1)the development of "ethnic cons ciousness" (2) the importance of both personal and intellectual development for cultural competence with regard to health issues and (3) the role of s ervice learning in empowering students to be contributing citizens to their community. Conclusion: Community-based service learning moves students bey ond cultural awareness toward the development of cultural competence that i s grounded in both health education and in the realities and complexities o f a multicultural community.