Volunteering, solidarity and social action: educating to change the world

Education is not just about acquiring academic knowledge. A truly well-rounded education includes building values such as solidarity, empathy and commitment to the world around us. In this sense, volunteering and community work are invaluable educational tools, capable of shaping active citizens who are aware of their role in society.

In countries such as the United States and several European nations, volunteering carries significant weight in students’ applications. Large companies and universities recognize that these activities develop skills essential for professional success, such as leadership, problem-solving, collaboration and empathy. In Spain, however, although it is increasingly common, this practice does not yet enjoy the same recognition, which is an opportunity for schools that want to prepare their students for a competitive global environment.

At our school, we have made volunteering and community work part of students’ education from the earliest years. These initiatives aim to help young people understand that social change starts with their own actions. At school, students help look after shared spaces, which instills in them respect for the common good. However, much of their learning takes place outside the classroom, in activities designed to connect them with their local and global surroundings.

One notable example is our program of visits to care homes for older people. This project has a twofold purpose: to keep older people company and, at the same time, to bring young people closer to a stage of life that often feels foreign to them. During these visits, students not only share activities with the residents, but are also enriched emotionally by listening to their stories and reflecting on the value of experience. This contact between generations fosters a deep empathy that is hard to achieve through traditional teaching methods.

Another of our projects focuses on protecting the natural environment. Since we are in a rural setting, our students take part every week in litter cleanups and recycling. Tasks like these teach them, directly and practically, the positive impact that their small actions have on protecting the environment. In addition, some students work with local animal protection associations, taking on responsibilities that foster respect for life and commitment to the well-being of living beings.

This year, we have broadened our approach to volunteering to include national and international initiatives. Taking part in social hackathons is one of the most notable additions. At these events, students propose solutions to real social problems, working with young people from other backgrounds. These spaces for innovation and dialogue help them develop a global awareness, preparing them to face the great challenges of our time.

This year we have also launched our first international volunteering trip, to Nepal. This project will allow a group of students to work in local schools, with the aim of contributing to educational development in disadvantaged communities. As well as offering an opportunity for intercultural learning, experiences like these reinforce the idea that social problems know no borders and that solidarity must reach beyond the local.

As well as building character and fostering humanistic values, volunteering also offers academic and professional advantages. Students who take part in these activities develop leadership, critical thinking, creativity and initiative, all highly valued in today’s job market. That is why, from an educational point of view, it is essential for schools to promote these experiences as part of a complete education, aimed at preparing young people to be not only good professionals but also agents of social change.

In a global context where polarization and individualism seem to be on the rise, encouraging volunteering is a firm commitment to building a more collaborative and empathetic society. Young people who get involved in these activities not only help improve the world around them, but also gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. This personal growth is an essential part of educating responsible citizens, able to lead transformative initiatives in their communities and in the world.

It is time for education to recognize the transformative power of solidarity. As schools, we must champion these values, creating opportunities for our young people to experience volunteering as a truly well-rounded learning experience. Only then can we help educate a generation ready to build a better future for everyone.