On December 5, students of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) celebrated International Volunteer Day. They visited children in orphanages and hospitals, the elderly in a state-run institution, and an animal shelter. Throughout the year they are involved in these activities and some students also record books that the blind can listen to.
UCU students outside a state-run residential institution that they visited.
Oleh Maksymiv, a second-year student in UCU’s Social Work program, is the coordinator of UCU’s Laboratory for Volunteering. He helped organize the larger event and throughout the year he coordinates various student volunteer projects.
UCU student Oleh Maksymiv (far right) is joined by other volunteers.
“Volunteering is an opportunity to change things around you. And often you receive in return no less than you give,” says Maksymiv. “You also realize that every action influences people and their lives and gives inspiration and becomes the first step to more changes in the world around. I’m glad that UCU values social ministry so much, and that our team can serve.”
Children from a social center for the needy in Lviv visit the Ukrainian Catholic University.
