In partnership with active stakeholders, Notre Dame Rome offers in-person volunteer opportunities through which all students can contribute or enhance their knowledge, skills, and experience while also deepening their understanding of the city.
Examples of collaborations and student roles:
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Casa Scalabrini 634 - Students assist guests and volunteers at Casa Scalabrini 634 through participation in weekly English language courses, monthly neighborhood restoration projects, and community fellowship meetings. This opportunity provides students the opportunity to understand and participate in the mission of Casa Scalabrini, "to promote the culture of encounter, welcoming, and integration among refugees, migrants, and the local community through dialogue and human relationships."
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Comunità di Sant’Egidio - Students join members of the Sant'Egidio community in preparing dinners and distributing them to the urban poor – especially those who are elderly, without homes, immigrants or displaced – through their Meals on the Road program. This opportunity provides students with a meaningful understanding of poverty in modern-day Rome and the ways in which charitable associations, like Sant’Egidio, are addressing it.
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Congregazione delle suore di Carità dell'Assunzione - Students join fellow volunteers and the sisters in mentoring, tutoring and playing games/sports with school-aged children from diverse backgrounds through their After School Program. This opportunity provides insight into the concrete ways in which immigration and socio-economic issues can impact individuals and families living in Rome's periphery.
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Dedalo ONLUS - Istituto Sant'Orsola - Students assist teachers in planning and delivering lessons in English in various fields of study to middle and high school students through a Co-Teaching Program. This opportunity provides students with firsthand experience in and a working knowledge of issues relating to the education system in Italy.
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Joel Nafuma Refugee Center - Students support guests of the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center in a variety of tasks, among which is the development of oral and written English language skills through meetings and conversation. This opportunity provides students with firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities that individuals living as refugees can experience in today's Italy.
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Missionaries of Charity - students assist with various acts of charity of the sisters’ “Reception House” (e.g., mopping floors, doing dishes, washing clothes, preparing for lunch). This opportunity provides insight into the services and support required of those who are ill or elderly and without a place to call home.
Please note that placement and availability can vary depending on a number of factors, including the needs and requirements of hosting organizations.