No one can save themselves alone. Pope Francis's words resonate deeply in a society where need is everywhere, and where any act of solidarity—big or small—can make a difference and change someone's life.

University Life promotes a large number of solidarity actions throughout the year in which students of the Universidad Austral They can foster positive change in society. This is how, invited by the "United for San Francisco" Civil Association, a group of 40 students from various majors participated in an important action in the town of Pilar.

Last September, our students conducted fieldwork that became a valuable challenge in developing their listening and dialogue skills with the community. This involved a community survey in the San Francisco neighborhood of Pilar, where they gained insight into the needs and perspectives of over 250 families living there, in order to support the local organization.

Beyond the assistance work that our young people do, on this occasion they dedicated their time to gathering demographic data of the neighborhood, in order to detect what projects are necessary to develop in the future for the growth of the community (such as daycare centers, requests for asphalt, sewage sanitation, etc.).

“Volunteering is about opening yourself up to another reality. It’s about getting to know and connect with something different from what you’re used to. Helping those most in need isn’t just about donating food or clothes; it’s also about sitting down to listen to them and offering them a word of hope,” says Renata Yoan, a student at the Faculty of Communication, sharing her experience.

Divided into groups, the young people were assigned three city blocks, which they visited door-to-door. “It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with people. And while most of the questions were technical, the most enriching aspect was that through them, the respondents ended up sharing their stories or some of their anxieties. People need to be heard. There are many needs of all kinds in the neighborhood, but one of the greatest needs is to feel that someone is listening to them, understanding them, and taking action to make a real change,” Renata adds.

From University Life, Mariela Mucilli, coordinator of Solidarity Action, stated: “We are very happy to join this on-the-ground survey experience, and we hope that as a result of this action the students involved will choose to join the volunteer programs in 2024.”

Many opportunities to drive change

La Universidad Austral The school reinforces its commitment to social responsibility through various initiatives, consolidating the fundamental value of solidarity among its students. Under the motto "Together We Build Change," the institution presents several projects for the coming months, providing numerous opportunities for students to contribute to the well-being of regional and local communities.

The year always begins with the traditional summer volunteer trips, a collaborative and sustainable experience. Through the organization University Students for Development, from January 22nd to February 4th, the men will travel to the town of El Bolsón, in Río Negro, to help with local needs.

On the other hand, the women will join the solidarity trip to Mendoza, organized in collaboration with Impulso Social and the CONIN Foundation, to accompany the health operation and generate workshops with the assisted population.

Another activity this season will be the Summer Camp at CECAM, an opportunity to share with the children of the Derqui neighborhood during February with recreational activities, snacks and games.

Among the first activities of the year is also the volunteering with the NGO Mujeres 2000 in Tigre, in which students from various majors will be able to advise women entrepreneurs, disseminating and teaching courses on entrepreneurship, and participating in follow-up activities.

In March, Austral University will join the University Volunteer Program with TECHO-PVU, focused on Community and Construction in the Northern Zone. With a capacity of 30 participants, the program includes construction activities and interaction with the community.

If you are interested in joining any of these activities, you can request more information at accionsocial@austral.edu.ar.