Solidarity Youth in Lublin, Poland

The Chemistry students at The John Paul II University, Catholic University of Lublin, in Poland, presented their work in the Student Science Club entitled Bacteria antibiotic resistance: A global challenge – local action.

Together with professors Ilona Sadok and Rafal Lopucki, the youth analyzed the presence of antibiotic-resistant samples from 33 public playgrounds located in Lublin. The idea was sparked by observing urban playground equipment and sandboxes where children play.

Through this project, young students could understand the relationship between scientific activities and social needs and expectations. They also develop a strong work ethic aligned with solidarity service-learning principles, learn new bio-chemical testing techniques, improve practical skills and engage with the team’s objective, always following project management methodologies.

In addition, they learned a new technique to identify bacterial contamination in playground samples, analyzed those samples themselves and learned to interpret the data collected. They have acquired new skills concerning antibiotic-resistant bacteria assessment, such as teamwork, responsibility for the results obtained and scientific integrity and credibility in presenting work and results.

The project garnered local and national media attention, and state agencies took note of the project findings to plan a joint campaign with the University to disseminate the results in public spaces in Lublin.

The project was recently awarded the Uniservitate Award 2024 at the V Uniservitate Global Symposium in Rome.

For more information on the project, visit [in Polish]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdFjUNTMCo4&t=3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlvmw4zDnug [in Spanish]