December 2025, as part of the CREATE project, students from Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Romania, and Lithuania demonstrated how creativity, sustainability, and social responsibility can make a positive impact on their communities. Through a variety of charitable initiatives, students transformed recycled materials into meaningful gifts, collected essential supplies, and visited local organisations and children’s homes to support those in need.
Spain: Supporting Caritas Algemesí
On the last day of classes before Christmas, students from IES Bernat Guinovart visited Caritas Algemesí, where they donated 20 hand-painted T-shirts created to celebrate Solidarity Day. During the visit, Caritas staff explained the organisation’s work, including providing psychological support, Spanish language lessons, and food and clothing for vulnerable people. Students also learned about the increased demand for support following the recent DANA storm, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of community solidarity.
Czech Republic: Bringing Joy to Children in Smolina
Students and teachers from GJP and SOŠ Slavičín visited the Children’s Home in Smolina, where they delivered handmade gifts created from recycled materials alongside practical donations such as food, stationery, used mobile phones, and other everyday necessities. Spending time with the children made the visit especially meaningful and highlighted the project’s values of empathy, creativity, and social engagement.
Slovakia: Handmade Gifts for an Orphanage
Students in Slovakia gave new life to recyclable materials by creating pen holders and bookmarks from drink cans and cardboard. These unique handmade gifts were donated to an orphanage in their city, demonstrating that simple recycled materials can be transformed into valuable presents while promoting environmental awareness and kindness.
Italy: Donations to a Local Orphanage and Religious Community
Students from ITET Lenoci-Euclide organised a school-wide collection of food and hygiene products before visiting the Orphanage Annibale di Francia, where they donated around ten boxes of essential supplies. During the visit, they met the Mother Superior, who introduced them to the orphanage’s work supporting children and teenagers.
Students also visited the Comunità Suore Figlie del Divino Zelo, where they donated handmade gifts created from recycled materials together with food collected through a charity campaign.
Romania: Visiting the Children’s Home in Carei
Students from Hám János Roman Catholic High School created gifts from recyclable materials before visiting the children’s home run by the Piarist Sisters in Carei. They personally presented their handmade creations to the children, combining environmental responsibility with generosity and creating memorable moments for everyone involved.
Lithuania: Sharing Christmas Joy
Students from grades 5–12 prepared Christmas cards and handmade crafts for children from LPF “Nemuno krašto vaikai”. Together with their teacher, they visited the organisation to deliver the gifts and spent time discussing Christmas traditions and customs, strengthening friendship and community spirit during the festive season.
By visiting organisations such as Caritas Algemesí, the Children’s Home in Smolina, an orphanage in Slovakia, the Orphanage Annibale di Francia, the Comunità Suore Figlie del Divino Zelo, the children’s home run by the Piarist Sisters in Carei, and LPF “Nemuno krašto vaikai”, students experienced firsthand how creativity, environmental responsibility, and compassion can work together to create lasting positive change.
