PURPOSE:
The course "Social Commitment by Students" in the midwifery program at Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and arts (KDG), integrates Community Service Learning to enhance students' cultural competence, ethical awareness, and interprofessional collaboration. This abstract highlights the course design, its focus on interprofessional teamwork, and its relevance to midwifery education.

DISCUSSION:
The program links theory and practice through community-based projects, such as mentoring vulnerable pregnant individuals and providing sexual education to unaccompanied minors. It is built on three pillars: - Societal Engagement – Students contribute to real-world initiatives that address concrete needs identified by community partners. - Academic Competence – They apply academic knowledge and skills to community challenges, bridging classroom learning with practical experience. - Critical Reflection – Through journaling and discussions, students reflect on their experiences, fostering both personal and professional growth. Collaboration with professionals from diverse disciplines deepens students’ understanding of interprofessional teamwork and its role in holistic care.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Service-learning in healthcare education enhances clinical skills, empathy, teamwork and communication while fostering critical thinking and civic responsibility. It boosts competencies like reflection, problem-solving, and cultural awareness, preparing well-rounded professionals. (Tijsma et al., 2020)

KEY MESSAGE:
Integrating societal engagement, academic competence and reflection into midwifery education equips students with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives essential for interprofessional, culturally competent care. The course "Social Commitment by Students" at KDG exemplifies an effective model for enhancing midwifery curricula globally. Tijsma, G., Hilverda, F., Scheffelaar, A., Alders, S., Schoonmade, L., Blignaut, N., & Zweekhorst, M. (2020). Becoming productive 21st century citizens: A systematic review uncovering design principles for integrating community service learning into higher education courses. Educational Research, 62(4), 390–413. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2020.1836987 Poster session 3 (Group B)