home

Solidarity Youth in Asia and Oceania Transform Education Through Service

The regional experiences were showcased at the Service-Learning Student Summit 2026 in China.

From 3rd to 6th August, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao, China, served as the regional hub for the Service-Learning Student Summit 2026, bringing together representatives from higher education institutions across Asia and the Pacific to share experiences and projects related to service-learning. María Rosa Tapia, Coordinator of Uniservitate and Candelaria Ferrara, coordinator of regional hubs, participated in the activities and supported this regional gathering.

Following the theme “Reciprocal Convergence: Empowering the Asia and Oceania Region’s Collective Action through Service-Learning”, the summit featured presentations of student-led projects, visits to community-based organizations, opportunities for reflection and cultural exchanges.

During the event, the winners of the Uniservitate Awards 2026 for the Asia & Oceania region were announced:

Awardees

  • “Commitment to a Better Life” [Adhikaing Ganap Para sa Yaring Kabuhayan (AGAPAY)] –De La Salle University Dasmariñas (Philippines): An initiative driving sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience in grassroots communities.
  • “Behavioural Insights Interventions to Improve Complementary Feeding Practices in Assam” –Assam Don Bosco University (India): A vital health project utilizing behavioural data to combat infant malnutrition.

Special Mention Awardees

  • “Providing Psychosocial Support to Marginalized Groups through Service-Learning in the Disaster and Mental Health Course” –Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines): This innovative initiative integrates mental health education with crisis response, deploying university students to provide critical psychological first aid and emotional support to vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters and systemic marginalization.
  • “S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strengthening Hope, Insight, Engagement, Listening & Dedication)” – Christ University (India): A targeted psychosocial support network for the parents of children fighting cancer.

This year, the Uniservitate also awarded solidarity service-learning institutional programme, and in this region the award was presented to the programme “Open the Tap! [IPaTUBIG]: Empowering IP Community Through WaSH and Renewable Energy” –University of San Agustin (Philippines): A holistic clean water and green energy project for indigenous populations.

Source article: https://www.usj.edu.mo/en/news/usj-macao-to-host-asia-oceania-youth-awardees-bound-for-papal-audience-at-uniservitate-awards-2026/

Full news report on the summit: https://www.uniservitate.org/2026/08/31/students-from-asia-and-oceania-transform-education-through-service/