One Student at a Time. A series by UniCredit Foundation
Wednesday 18 December 2024
UniCredit Foundation has renewed its commitment to education with a clear mission: to create a more equitable and inclusive future, one student at a time.
‘One student at a time – stories of educational empowerment’
UniCredit Foundation is launching a new series of video clips to share with you all: ‘One student at a time – stories of educational empowerment’.
Each episode tells, through the eyes of its protagonists, the story of a student whose life has changed thanks to the support of the organisations the Foundation supports. Each story is special and precious in its own way – underlining how the Foundation's investment in young people is a process that pays off in the long run.
The multidimensional and community-centric approach of the projects is key for the Foundation: with the desired impact not only concerning the extensiveness, but also the intensity of the interventions. Education is a soil that in order to flourish needs several hands, which work together and are able to take into account and maximise all the decisive aspects for the growth of what has been planted.
Discover Federica's Story
Federica is a fifteen-year-old student with a very difficult family history. Her family struggles are further compounded by those in the school environment. However, everything changes when Federica joins the program run by Centro Calabrese Solidarietà (CCS) that transforms her life. The support of the CCS proves crucial in turning her life around.
About Centro Calabrese Solidarietà
Centro Calabrese Solidarietà (CCS) is a non-profit organisation based in Calabria, Italy, dedicated to promoting social inclusion, supporting vulnerable individuals, and fostering community well-being. The center offers services such as addiction recovery programs, mental health support, and social reintegration initiatives. It aims to empower individuals and families through tailored interventions, education, and collaboration with local institutions. CCS is recognised for its commitment to solidarity, equality, and creating opportunities for personal growth and social development.
In 2023, Centro Calabrese Solidarietà was recognised as one of the winners of the Call for Education, one of our main initiatives for supporting impactful educational programs across Europe.
About Ali's Journey
In this episode, you will follow Ali’s path to finding his potential. Through the resources, mentorship, and care provided by Hobby Lobby, Ali was able to unlock new opportunities, setting him on a course for a brighter future. His story is a reminder of the incredible impact that education and a supportive community can have on a young person's life.
About Hobby Lobby
Founded in Vienna in October 2018 and recently arrived in Romania and Germany, Hobby Lobby was created to provide young people with a nurturing environment to realize their full potential. In its first pilot phase, launched in March 2019, Hobby Lobby reached around 100 children, and since June 2020, it has operated as a separate entity. Built on a shared vision of equal educational opportunities, the founders—having gained experience through the Teach for Austria leadership program—are committed to fostering personal growth, social skills, and self-confidence in students through innovative and fun educational activities.
About Ana's Journey
It all began with little Ana, a 4-year-old girl who lived in an orphanage until it was suddenly closed. Around her and 20 other children, a small group of volunteers came together, which eventually gave life to the association "Ana și Copiii." Join us to explore Ana's journey and discover how her life was transformed and what role Ana now plays in transforming and improving the lives of other children.
About Ana și Copiii
Ana și Copiii Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in Romania. Founded with the mission to offer support, education, and care, the association provides essential services such as food, shelter, and psychological counseling. Through various programs, they empower families in need, helping them build a brighter future. The association’s work has transformed the lives of countless children, giving them hope and stability in difficult times.
Ana și Copiii crossed the Foundation's path through the Call for Education 2022, which made it possible to support the implementation of activities for children in a peripheral area outside Bucharest.
About Vicky's Journey
When the volunteers of the Areté Youth Foundation first met Vicky in 2021, they immediately recognised a bright student with immense potential. Watch the video to discover the challenges Vicky faced on her journey and how her life transformed after she decided to join the UniYouth Project.
About Areté Youth Foundation
The Bulgarian Areté Youth Foundation is a non-governmental organisation focused on empowering young people from marginalised communities, particularly those of Romani descent. The foundation aims to foster leadership, education, and personal development through various programmes, such as mentorship, training, and youth engagement activities. By providing opportunities for skill-building, cultural exchange, and social inclusion, the organisation helps young people overcome challenges, build confidence, and become active participants in their communities, promoting social cohesion and equality.
The Areté Youth Foundation was one of the winners of the 2022 Call for Education, which aims to support educational programmes all across Europe.
About Anita's Journey
Living in a difficult social context, Anita commenced school only at 11 years old, missing the opportunity to join her generation from the start. However, with the support of the Friends of Children of Serbia, she now has a possibility to build a promising future. Don’t miss the latest episode of One Student at a Time to discover Anita’s inspiring journey as she pursues her dreams!
About Friends of Children of Serbia
Friends of Children of Serbia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of young people across Serbia. By focusing on vulnerable communities, they provide essential educational support, health and nutrition programs, and strongly advocate for children's rights. Through initiatives such as tutoring, health check-ups, and cultural activities, they ensure that every child has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. Their ongoing mission is to create a safe and nurturing environment for every child in Serbia, empowering them to reach their full potential.
In recognition of their impactful work, Friends of Children of Serbia was one of the winners of the 2022 Call for Education, an initiative aimed at supporting educational programmes across Europe.
Meet Marta: A journey of transformation
Marta is a lively fourteen-year-old who often clashed with her classmates, finding it hard to fit in. But her story took an incredible turn when she joined the In-Presa programme. With the right guidance and support, Marta unlocked her potential and began building a brighter future.
About In-Presa
In-Presa is a nonprofit organisation focused on helping young people in Lombardy develop the skills they need for successful careers. It supports students who are at risk of social exclusion or leaving school early by offering practical training, internships, and personalised guidance. By partnering with local businesses and institutions, In-Presa connects education with real-world opportunities, giving participants the tools to build confidence, resilience, and long-term career prospects.
In 2022, In-Presa was recognized as one of the winners of the Call for Education, an European initiative supporting impactful educational programmes.
An ongoing commitment
UniCredit Foundation's commitment embraces a long-term vision to improve access to education in the twelve Central and Eastern European countries where UniCredit operates by focusing on three key areas: school, work and university.
Through major international partnerships with organisations such as Teach for All and Junior Achievement Europe, alongside initiatives such as the UCF Edu-Fund Platform and the Call for Education, the Foundation focuses on projects that aim to combat educational poverty and promote equal opportunities in access to education and the world of work.
Learn more about | UniCredit Foundation
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