From 1 to 5 June, the international volunteering programme “Change Yourself to Change the World” took place at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) in Madrid, Spain, with students from Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija taking part. The initiative is part of the ACE_RISE programme, which promotes students’ social engagement and volunteering in an international environment.

During the week-long programme, students contributed to various social initiatives aimed at supporting people with intellectual disabilities, families at risk of social exclusion, homeless individuals, and people affected by illness. Working alongside organisations including UNIDIVERSIDAD (Fundación ONCE), VAS, Fundación Altius, CESAL, and Cottolengo del Padre Alegre, the volunteers delivered English language activities, organised creative workshops and games, prepared and distributed food and clothing, and provided emotional support and companionship to those in need of care and attention.

The programme focused not only on supporting local communities but also on the personal development of the students themselves. Participants strengthened their teamwork, communication, and intercultural collaboration skills, developed a greater sense of social responsibility, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of volunteering in building a more open and compassionate society.