The VUELA Program, coordinated by the UNIJES GH for Social Action, Development Cooperation, and Volunteering, continues to impact students’ lives through practical community service experiences both nationally and internationally. The program started in 2021. Since then, more than 420 students participated in more than 120 projects.

Over 2023 and 2024, this university-led initiative enabled over 160 students to participate in 35 diverse volunteer projects across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Partner institutions, including the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto, Lumsa University in Rome, and Mateja Bela University in Slovakia, joined in to add an international dimension to this program.

Designed to offer a holistic education, VUELA supports university students seeking community service experience through three distinct project areas:

1. Projects working with migrants and refugees.

2. Initiatives for individuals at risk of social exclusion in Europe and Latin America.

3. Community care projects, including initiatives in Europe and Kenya.

In all years, students prepared with intensive training, including in-person sessions over weekends and online courses, which ensured they were ready for the challenges they would encounter in the field. Student reflections highlighted how VUELA increased their awareness of social and economic challenges and equipped them with skills to address them. Many participants described the program as a way to transform their summer break into a time of social contribution, giving back through small actions that make a meaningful difference in communities.

In 2024, the program expanded further with 49 unique experiences across 44 destinations. The journey for the students started with specific trainings and a major gathering in Mohernando, where 170 participants shared their thoughts and ideas. After participating in the program many expressed deep gratitude, personal satisfaction and growth, noting how the competencies gained complemented their academic education and profoundly shaped their personal development.

VUELA, has grown into a cornerstone experience within UNIJES, enabling students to put their learning into practice and engage in global social responsibility. The program’s collaborative nature was enriched through partnerships with the UNIJES centers, as well as the participation of universities from Portugal, Italy, and Slovakia.

With the 2024 edition drawing to a close, plans for VUELA 2025 are already underway, promising new projects, additional destinations and renewed enthusiasm for further opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to a global community.