Comillas students transform lives in Kenya and Nepal through the Vuela Programme

Students from the Universidad Pontificia de Comillas and the University of Deusto took part in two international volunteering experiences during the months of July and August, within the framework of the Vuela Programme, which have left their mark on the local communities thanks to various activities full of commitment and solidarity. These experiences took place in Nyumbani Village (Kenya) and Kathmandu (Nepal). 

Solidarity entrepreneurship in Nyumbani Village

Three students from the Universidad Pontificia de Comillas and four from Deusto, together with the person in charge of the project and professor at the San Juan de Dios-Comillas University School of Nursing and Physiotherapy (EUEF), Jesús Muñoz, have worked in the Kenyan community of Nyumbani Village.

Throughout their stay, the volunteers have made improvements in infrastructures, water supply and basic equipment, as well as promoting community revitalisation activities. One of the most significant milestones has been the launch of an online solidarity shop aimed at financially supporting the shushus (grandmother caregivers) through the sale of the handicrafts they make.

"Volunteering has not only left a deep impression on the community, but also on the volunteers, who have been able to experience first-hand the healing power of empathy, care and teamwork. Seeing them grow personally, professionally and spiritually is the greatest reward for these two months", Jesús Muñoz highlights.

For Nyumbani Village it has meant an improvement in its resources and in the well-being of its inhabitants, while for the students it has been an enriching experience on a personal level.

As a sign of this bond, a group of children from the village have worn for the first time the sports equipment donated by Comillas Bienestar, a symbolic gesture that reflects the collaboration between the two Jesuit universities and the friendship forged with the Kenyan community.

Therapeutic accompaniment in Kathmandu

At the same time, the director of the EUEF, Julio de la Torre, has been in Kathmandu (Nepal) accompanying four students from Comillas and two students from Deusto in their work with the NGO 'New Life Nepal'.

This NGO takes in street children with severe autism problems, treats young people with Down's syndrome and children who were orphaned by the earthquake in 2015.

During this experience, the volunteers have carried out advanced ulcer and surgical wound care, as well as neurological stimulation and rehabilitation activities. In addition, they have undertaken several visits with children to hospitals and consultations, even accompanying one of them when he was admitted for severe malnutrition.

In order to address the most urgent needs of this organisation, an awareness campaign has been carried out, which has raised more than 4,000 euros.

"Accompanying the students in this volunteer programme is a challenge and, at the same time, a joy, being able to establish bonds of commitment that make us go from being a community of knowledge and research to a community of care", emphasises Julio de la Torre.

Through the Vuela Programme, students actively participate in projects that promote the growth of communities, fostering respect for diversity while living a transforming experience on a personal level.