Volunteering

Since the beginning, Álamos has organized service projects to help students put their talents in the service of others and showing that the university is oriented to the society.

Initiatives throughout the year

Activities with children and study support in a social neighbourhood

We develop activities for children in the Cruz Vermelha neighbourhood, supporting the work performed by the Associação Emergência Social (IPSS). Additionally, during the week, we also provide tutoring for some of the children.

Tutoring: Wednesdays

• Schedule: 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Departure from Álamos at 2.45 pm.

Neighbourhood club (Educational activities): Fridays

• Schedule: 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm. Departure from Álamos at 2.45 pm.

Adult literacy

Also through the Associação Emergência Social (IPSS), since 2015 we have been taking on the challenge of teaching adults to read!

Service Days:

• Mondays: 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm
• Wednesdays: 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
• Fridays: 11.00 am – 12h.30 pm

Delivering meals to homeless people

In 2015 we started distributing meals to homeless people, supporting an initiative that has already been developed by the Church of Santo António (Sé), with the brotherhood of the Most Holy Sacrament, of the Holy Cross and Steps of the Church of Conceição Velha.

Service Days: Mondays

• Schedule: 9.30 pm -10.30 pm. Departure from Álamos at 8.50 pm.

Occasional Iniciatives

Spontaneously, throughout the year, diverse initiatives emerge, such as visits to hospitals, nursing homes, needy families, etc.

National Projects

During vacations, and skiping the daily routine, Álamos promotes volunteer activities in rural and suburban areas, enhancing the Exchange of knowledge and traditions, by performing some service and cultural promotion tasks in the local communities, contributing for their effective development.

These volunteering experiences always become unforgettable and enriching.

Cabo Verde Project

In 2018, and for the 7th time, the Cabo Verde project emerges: An international voluntary work project, in the Praia town, developed by university students and professional young women.

The intervention strategy includes three pillars of social development: education, health and environment.

The ground intervention happens during 15 days, in July. However, the project’s global and specific objectives go far behind a punctual help: the project intends to answer the pressing needs, favouring the community’s participation and collaborating in the teaching of the local leaders such that the populations themselves develop similar iniciatives.

The project arises from a partnership between Álamos, Rampa Clube, Cooperativa de Telheiras para a Promoção da Solidariedade e da Cultura, CRL, Associação Cultural das Areias and Fundação Maria Beatriz Lopes da Cunha.

We have already been in several parts of Portugal and foreign countries.

In Portugal:

• Fornos de Algodres (2015)
• Pocariça (2014)
• Corredoura (2013)
• Alcácer do Sal (2012)
• Bajouca (2003, 2006-07; 2010-11)
• Charneca do Lumiar (1997, 1999, 2002-06)
• Carrapichana (2001)
• Coruche (2000)
• Sarzedo, Arganil (1996, 1998)
• S.Miguel, Açores (1994-95)
• Pinheiro de Lafões (1995)
• Pousos, Leiria (1994)
• Souto da Carpalhosa, Leiria (1993)

Abroad:

• Santiago, Cape Verde (1993, 2006-07, 2017)
• Boavista, Cape Verde (2008-10)
• Croatia (2004-05)

During shorter periods of time, it is also usual the stay in the John Paul II’s Severely Disabled Center, in Fátima, for some days. This experience is extremely enriching and always unforgettable.

International Projects support

In 2016-2017, Álamos have joined the Association pour la Promotion de la Femme et la Famille (Non profit Organization, Headquarters in Cameroun) to support the final stage of the fundraising for the construction of a medical clinic in Mehandan (25km away from Yaoundé, Cameroun). Additional information here (in Portuguese).

Solidarity Study Olympics

Since 2014, we have been participating in the Solidarity Study Olympics, which occurs between the 5th of November and the 5th of December.

For each hour studied in Álamos in the previous years, a sponsor has granted 1 euro to:

• In 2017: study scholarships to children studying in Kenya
• In 2016: Rebuilding of 3 schools in Ecuador, an area affected by an earthquake in April 2016
• In 2015: The construction of a farm that will enable the feeding of children in a school in Senegal
• In 2014: The construction of a vocational school, located in Hinche (Haiti). This educational center will help to slow down the rural exodus and develop this country that got very destroyed with the earthquake in 2010.

Training

Throughout the year, Álamos organizes volunteering training workshops, as the voluntary work demands a qualified answer by the voluntaries: we have to prepare ourselves to reach the population the best way possible and truly help them!

I myself measure the sincerity of concern for others in terms of works of service, and I know of thousands of cases of students in many countries who have refused to build their own little private worlds. They are giving themselves to others through their professional work, which they try to carry out with human perfection, through educational endeavours, through social and welfare activities, in a spirit of youth and cheerfulness

Application Form

If you want to participate in the volunteering activities, fill in the application form and we will contact you.