Synergy of Education and Service: UEP Team Explores Youth Volunteering Experience in Portugal

The Ukrainian Education Platform team took part in a study visit to Portugal, where they gained leading European experience in the development of youth volunteering.

The international event titled «Volunteering Models: Connecting Formal and Informal Education through Youth Volunteering» was held from June 14 to 20 in Lisbon as part of the Erasmus+ program.

Together with representatives from the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) and other Ukrainian civic and youth organizations, our colleagues explored how volunteer activities can be integrated into the educational process. The main focus of the visit was finding solutions to help young people grow and to empower Ukrainian communities to become stronger and more resilient – which is critical in times of war.

A key highlight was learning about the ecosystem of the Catholic University of Portugal. Here, volunteering functions not as an isolated or extra activity, but as a fundamental component of holistic personal development, fostering responsible leadership and community service.

Marta Komar, Grant Manager of the Ukrainian Education Platform, shared her impressions of the trip:

«For me, it was incredibly valuable to see how volunteering – both student-led and beyond—is organized abroad. We had the chance to experience this firsthand at the Catholic University of Portugal and other organizations that are actively seeking new people, not only within their academic circles but across the entire country and internationally. Furthermore, this trip significantly improved interaction among Ukrainian partners. Our upcoming projects will be built on close cooperation within the Ukrainian sector, alongside Portuguese colleagues who are genuinely open to collaboration.»

For the Ukrainian Education Platform, this visit was of utmost importance, as it provided an opportunity not only to share experiences but also to lay the foundation for new partnerships. We believe that the knowledge, insights, and international connections gained will become the cornerstone of powerful joint initiatives to strengthen the youth movement and support community development in Ukraine.