Students at the Marianum Halls of Residence in Padua recently hosted a presentation of the Assumption International Volunteer Program, also known as AMA (Associated with the Assumption Mission). The program, sponsored by the Sisters of the Assumption, offers young people the opportunity to participate in educational, environmental and creative projects in countries such as the Philippines, India, Belgium, Lithuania, Kenya, the United States and many others.
Sister Francesca, from the Twickenham community, who along with Anne Marie Salgo collaborates in coordinating volunteers for England, explained to the students the spirit and workings of the program, which offers a period of preparation and training, support during placement, and opportunities for intercultural learning and friendship.
Also participating in the evening was Jude Billate, a former volunteer from the Philippines, now a second-year Master’s student at the University of Padua. Jude shared his experience of volunteering in Newcastle as a part of the crew at the Kids Kabin educational project, a creative arts center working with children ages 8-13 in socially and economically disadvantaged areas of northeast England.
Sister Francesca comments, “I thank the students at the Marianum and the Padua community for their warm welcome. I am convinced that our international volunteer program offers an excellent educational experience, designed to foster human and spiritual growth, as well as the development of young people’s skills. I hope today’s presentation will inspire our students to open themselves to an experience capable of broadening their horizons and to embark on this adventure.”
