Jaca, 2024 – In the framework of a solid and growing partnership, the Compostela Group of Universities (GCU) and the Association of Municipalities of the Camino de Santiago (AMCS) presented in Jaca the volunteering programme University Walking Community, an initiative that seeks to involve young people in volunteer activities around the Camino de Santiago.

The president of the Compostela Group of Universities, Carla Martins, highlighted the relevance of this programme as a space for personal development and the strengthening of ties between young people from all over the world. ‘The Santiago routes, the first cultural route recognised by the Council of Europe in 1987, are the ultimate symbol of union and tolerance. Through this initiative, we seek to transmit these values to the new generations, not as an option, but as an obligation,’ underlined Martins.

An Initiative with International Projection

The University Walking Community is an initiative that allows young people from our partner universities to participate in volunteer activities and live an experience of internationalisation in a context of solidarity and collaboration. Martins stressed that the keys to impact can be summed up in four aspects: personal growth, human connection, cultural renewal and respect for nature.

An Enduring Partnership

The collaboration between the GCU and the Association of Municipalities of the Camino de Santiago was forged in 2018, following the signing of the cooperation agreement in Salamanca. ‘This programme is one more step on a joint path, which we hope to walk side by side in favour of a more united and happier world,’ he concluded.

The event was also attended by local authorities and representatives of various institutions that collaborated in this initiative. The Jaca City Council, the Government of Aragon, the University of Zaragoza and the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago of Jaca as well as the International Federation of Associations deserve special mention for their commitment.