Empowering communities: social impact of UP's volunteer projects

Mexico City, November 28, 2024. The Universidad Panamericana, through the area of Social Commitmenthas developed a clear mission: to build a more just and humane world through its volunteer projects.

Under this premise, the Lic. Alejandra Sánchez GutiérrezSocial Commitment project coordinator, shared how Panamericana's volunteer programs are transforming vulnerable communities and enriching the personal and professional development of students. transforming vulnerable communities and enriching the personal and professional development of students..

Eight lines of action for social change

The volunteer projects of our university are structured in eight lines of action eight lines of actiondesigned to address critical needs of society and generate a positive impact:

HousingThe housing projects in Xochimilco: improve the quality of homes in low-income areas. In the last six years, they have benefited 24 families in Xochimilco, directly impacting close to 100 people.
Inclusion: promote the social, cultural and labor integration of people with disabilities, strengthening their skills and working with companies to prepare inclusive work environments.
EducationEducation: workshops and courses are developed to combat school dropout rates among children. There are also workshops for adults who are interested in finishing their studies. On the other hand, there are projects of education in values.
Assistance: We provide assistance to different communities through in-kind donations to support the most vulnerable families at key times of the year. We also seek to alleviate the needs of children and their families with projects such as Navidad Pantera and Caminito a la Escuela.
Research: create integrated intervention models to optimize the planning of community projects.
Health: medical services through SIPASA's clinics. SIPASAto those who do not have access to quality health care systems.
Justice: free advice on civil, family and labor law through the Bufete Jurídico Gratuito Social A.C.
Training: students are trained in social responsibility and community intervention.

An integral model of social transformation

The selection of projects and communities responds to a comprehensive model that includes diagnosis, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. This approach guarantees a sustainable and replicable impact, with a long-term perspective and focused on the real needs of the communities. focused on the real needs of the communities.

Students are the driving force behind these projects. They act as volunteers, leaders or coordinators, playing key roles in the implementation and evaluation of activities. Beyond their community impact the projects foster in young people skills such as leadership, problem solving, time management and empathy.

Patricio ArechigaPatricio Aréchiga, a student volunteer at Panamericana reflects: "Thanks to this social service I became aware of a reality in Mexico that sometimes we are not aware of."

Stories that inspire

The impact of the projects is reflected in testimonials such as those of Joel Díaz Garcíaa beneficiary in Xochimilco: "It is wonderful that they lend a hand to those of us who need it."

Or that of Rosa Isela Bernalwho declared: "I have no words to express how grateful I am with the help they have given us (the volunteers of the Universidad Panamericana). (...) We have been through so much that I can't believe it that we will already have our house".

Transformation through service

The Universidad Panamericana consolidates social commitment as one of the pillars of its educational mission.. These volunteer projects not only impact the lives of the beneficiary communities, but also transform the students, thus forming citizens with a strong sense of responsibility and an authentic human vision. citizens with a strong sense of responsibility and an authentic human vision.

In our institution, we are convinced that living to serve transforms lives, builds a more caring future and is the key to generating a positive and lasting impact.