On January 27, to mark World Environmental Education Day, six volunteers from Projeto Vida - Voluntariado na Católica took part in a clean-up at Praia das Avencas, which resulted in the removal of 103.5 kg of garbage, predominantly made up of microplastics.

For Júlia Gabriello, a Master's student in Communication Sciences at UCP and one of the 52 volunteers at the event organized by Movimento Claro, partner of Universidade Católica within the scope of Projeto Vida, and by RALVT - Rede de Arrojamentos de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, "it was my first time volunteering at a beach clean-up event, but it certainly won't be my last."

According to the student and Projeto Vida volunteer: "It's gratifying to be able to take care of such a beautiful place full of life. Even though it doesn't seem like much, together with other volunteers, we managed to collect more than 100 kg of garbage, which is harmful to marine life and to us."

Reflecting on her volunteering experience, Júlia also says: "Without a doubt, the next time I go to the beach, I'll pay more attention to what I see on the sand and pick up garbage that looks harmless, but causes great harm. Everyone can do their part!"

Kristin Hessel and Nele Konerding, students on the Master's in Business at CATÓLICA-LISBON, also chose the Claro Movement in the PLSTIK Tower project to volunteer with. This project aims to collect and transform plastic packaging into skateboards and other objects, which are made available free of charge to the community that frequents the Torre skatepark.

For Kristin Hessel, "volunteering at Movimento Claro is a lot of fun. The people are very friendly, and the tasks themselves are very rewarding as they involve us in every stage of the project. What's more, there are always new volunteers with different backgrounds," which makes the experience even more interesting.

Throughout 2023/2024, UCP students, professors and staff have been taking part in regular and one-off volunteering activities as part of the Projeto Vida - Volunteering at Católica.  Take part by registering here. 

For more information contact voluntariado.sede@ucp.pt