Students of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) participate, through the university’s volunteer program, in the premiere of the new cinema hall of the Marquis de Valdecilla University Hospital, promoted by the Juegaterapia Foundation.
The cinema of Valdecilla is part of one of the most ambitious projects of the foundation, which was born from the personal experience of its founder, María. During her son’s hospitalization, Maria was able to see the positive impact of video games and audiovisual entertainment on the mood and emotional well-being of children admitted. Based on this experience, he decided to promote initiatives that humanize hospitals and bring moments of joy to patients.
The functioning of the cinema hall depends heavily on volunteer work. Currently, ten UNEATLANTICO students participate in this program, and in this first projection were three female students who attended the center. Each volunteer will work shifts from one to two times a month, collaborating in the organization of sessions and in the accompaniment of patients, contributing to create a closer and more humane environment within the hospital.
From the Office of Cooperation and Social Action (OCAS) it is emphasized that volunteering not only helps others, but also strengthens students’ skills and abilities, improves their relationships and contributes to their formation as individuals and professionals. Among the various volunteer activities that are carried out, collaboration with Juegaterapia is especially significant, as it allows to accompany hospitalized and sick children in difficult situations, bringing illusion and moments of fun that make your stay in the hospital more enjoyable.
OCAS encourages all those interested in volunteering to inform themselves about the activities currently available through the group coordinators or by writing to ocas@uneatlantico.es.