RSU hosts its first International Volunteer Day event
On 1 December, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) hosted its first-ever event dedicated to International Volunteer Day, bringing together 11 organisations and associations that presented a wide range of volunteering opportunities both in Latvia and abroad. The event featured organisations from diverse fields – including healthcare, youth work, correctional institutions, charity, social care, and animal welfare.
A first-of-its-kind event at RSU
This was the first RSU event fully dedicated to promoting volunteering. Its aim was to raise awareness of the value of volunteer work and help students discover meaningful ways to get involved.
Throughout the event, representatives engaged actively with students, introducing them to their daily work, ongoing projects, and the important role that volunteers play in their activities. Students had the chance to learn not only about different forms of volunteering but also about the skills needed, the specifics of each organisation’s work, and the professional benefits volunteering can offer alongside studies.
High student interest and successful collaboration
The event attracted considerable interest among RSU students, and participating organisations reported especially high engagement. As one organisation noted, “We were visited by 60 students, 52 of whom signed up expressing their interest in joining our volunteer activities.”
Other organisations echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the event offered a valuable opportunity to meet motivated young people eager to contribute their time and effort for the benefit of society.
Participant feedback
Both local and international RSU students took part, creating a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. Organisations highlighted the positive experience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate:
“Thank you very much for the opportunity to take part! The experience was pleasant and successful.”
“Thank you for inviting us and giving us the chance to share information about volunteering! We were particularly glad to meet a lot of international students.”
“We highly appreciate the opportunity to introduce ourselves to such a large group of young people! We are already looking forward to the next event.”
“We managed to attract a new volunteer who will be able to bring great value to our organisation.”
Given the strong interest from both organisations and students, RSU plans to continue supporting volunteering initiatives and fostering collaboration with partners from various sectors.
Participant organisations
- Children's Clinical University Hospital
- Red Cross of Latvia
- Centre Ābeļzieds of Rīga's municipal Social Service
- Society Maltas Ordeņa palīdzības dienests
- Society Radošā apvienība jauniešiem TREPES
- Society Tavi draugi
- Animal shelter Labās mājas
- Rīga youth centre KAŅIERIS
- Latvian Prison Administration
- Foundation Caritas Latvija
- Latvian Samaritan Association
