SL Projects
We have developed service-learning projects in our institutions and for the communities, collaborating with several associations and entities.
These projects, together with those carried out during the mobility to Mexico, have been published in different conferences and journals and are available in the list of published works in this website:
1. SL activity with the Aviva association to share with them what is behind the plug and what electricity is all about.
https://x.com/avivasalamanca/status/1664570681328119809?s=46&t=bzUNExI7u2PZgoqf9ot-Cg
2. Some students from the Faculty of Civil, Industrial and Agricultural Buildings, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest developd the project entitle “Illuminating Sustainable Futures – Solar Empower, Energize Tomorrow: Service-Learning for Sustainable Energy Access”.
The objective of this project was to empower high school students with knowledge and skills to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This service-learning project includes the presentation of a prototype of an energy-independent solar house to inspire environmentally conscious energy practices. https://dmi.utcb.ro/girls/#5
3. We took a tour of Salamanca with future teachers: “Quimique-ando: siéntete cientific@ en Salamanca” [feel like a scientist in Salamanca]
https://www.instagram.com/p/DC42GhtKXli8Cmu94_Hx9SdtUBoBSbsWylYgEg0/
4. Several groups of students from the Industrial Engineering, Statistics and Labor Relations degrees collaborated with the ASCOL association (Association against Leukemia and Blood Diseases), which is part of the AELCLÉS group.
https://www.aelcles.org/2025/02/06/estudiantes-de-la-usal-analizan-la-supervivencia-de-pacientes-oncohematologicos/
5. A group of students from the School of Industrial Engineering of the University of Salamanca disseminated statistics among seniors participating in the experience university, presenting the work entitled ‘Disclosure of statistical errors’.
We have developed a Service-Learning guide for students, which will allow them to learn about this method (available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian).
6. MARISTAS developed the project «Conciencia con ciencia» / «Water you doing?» Project.
– SDG curricular connection: SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 17.
– Objectives: Awareness of water as a vital resource; Link curriculum with real social issues; Foster commitment, solidarity, and sustainability; Encourage intergenerational learning and cooperation; Develop key competencies through active learning.
https://view.genially.com/6823befc3ed22d8e3a2d71c9/dossier-conciencia-con-ciencia/
7. Faculty and students from IPC/ISEC developed a SL project: Working with my Mechanical Engineering students on Service-Learning in Statistical Methods has been one of the most affirming experiences of my teaching. In the first and second project years, we partnered with the non-profit organisations CASPAE and Academia Negócio e Turismo da Empresa Dcanjamba (Angola), a collaboration catalysed by an Angolan student who inspired his group to engage meaningfully with community needs. Student teams identified concrete operational problems, collected relevant data, and produced analyses in Excel and SPSS that supported service characterisation, project appraisal, and assessments of technological needs. The organisations received actionable insights; the students discovered the «why» behind statistical tools, strengthened intercultural empathy, and developed confidence in their capacity to contribute beyond the classroom. For me, the projects crystallised a simple truth: when statistical learning is embedded in authentic community contexts, it not only deepens understanding but also supports purpose, responsibility, and a sense of belonging as future engineers.
8. At UFV, all first-year students are required to complete a social service or volunteering activity. Within the GIRLS project, we proposed that this should be not only a volunteering activity but also a learning experience (service-learning). A group of Physiotherapy students developed a service-learning project with Fundación Golfín, which supports pregnant women at risk of abortion by offering alternatives to abortion and ensuring human, healthcare, social, and spiritual support; it also promotes and facilitates the women’s social integration. Pelvic-floor exercises designed by the students proved very helpful for some participants. In addition, several of the students who took part in this activity brought their knowledge and practice to rural communities in Mexico that we visited in the summer of 2024.
9. Several students from UVAQ’s Economic faculty participate in activities to share with local less privileged communities the SL project «Developing money management skills». The objective of this project was to provide counseling to vulnerable populations to promote financial education and help them achieve financial solvency that contributes to a more dignified life. This activity was included in the Budget subject (6º semester), which is part of the Accounting and administration undergraduate degree.
10. Service-Learning Project with students specializing in Physics and Chemistry from the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Baccalaureate Teaching, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching, within the Physics and Chemistry specialty. The project involves conducting Physics and Chemistry experiences for patients on the children’s ward of the University Hospital of Salamanca, in collaboration with the teachers in charge of the Hospital Classroom. The project was carried out during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.
11. Students from UVAQ´s Interior Design program worked with communities to share the use of «Natural Earth finish coating» as a SL Project in Michoacan, Mexico. During this project students participated in 2 workshops about The Earth as a Construction Material/Water States. Preparation of Substrate for Plastering, and Earth Construction Techniques (Plasters and Finishes). Practical Workshop on Earth Finishes. After this they went to the community and shared their knowledge and competencies. Apart of working with people from Santa Cecilia, they conducted 2 training sessions: The Earth as a Construction Material/Water States. Carazas Tests Workshop / Preparation of Substrate for Plastering, and Earth Construction Techniques (Plasters and Finishes). Practical Workshop on Earth Finishes.
