Starting university at an institution such as Escola Superior de Biotecnologia is also an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community. As part of a volunteering initiative marking their arrival in higher education, new students at Universidade Católica do Porto will help paint different spaces at Associação Norte Vida, contributing to a more welcoming environment for those seeking to rebuild their lives.
The initiative brings together integration, a sense of purpose and social impact, showing that transformation begins with small gestures.
Associação Norte Vida is a private institution of social solidarity operating in Porto and Braga. Its main mission is to support pregnant women, mothers and babies experiencing social, family or emotional vulnerability.
Through close and personalised support, the association provides individual assistance from pregnancy through to the baby’s first months of life, helping families overcome immediate difficulties, such as a lack of basic resources and gradually rebuild an independent and stable life plan.
In addition to providing direct support to families, the association places a strong emphasis on empowerment, organising support groups, specialised training and prevention projects aimed at promoting more informed and responsible motherhood.
That's why the association’s physical spaces take on particular importance. Welcoming and well-maintained environments help ensure that those seeking support feel respected and cared for, something that the painting initiative organised by new Católica Porto students aims to reinforce.
So far, 76 students have already registered for the initiative, which is open to anyone who would like to take their first steps at university through an act of solidarity. Registration remains open until September 6th, so there is still time for anyone who would like to join the group.
The initiative is organised by CAtólica SOlidária (CASO), the volunteering group at Universidade Católica do Porto, which regularly promotes activities of this kind, combining the welcoming of new students with causes that make a difference to the surrounding community.
By painting the spaces at Associação Norte Vida, the volunteers are directly helping to improve the conditions for those who seek support there, showing that the university’s spirit of service translates into concrete action from the very first days of student life.
