Valerie van der Jagt, bachelor's student of Medical Sciences and Technology, is involved in the project as a student assistant. “I feel it is important to build bridges between the university and the city where we live and study. This project offers that opportunity.” In the Gestel neighborhood, for example, students will collaborate with the HK1 community center where homeless people are helped to occupy their time and discover their talents. “Among its aims, HK1 hopes to improve contact with the neighborhood,” says Van der Jagt. “And so, together with students, we are going to be organizing brainstorming sessions and taking the co-creation route to set up a project. This is a fine example of how our students can do their bit.”

With the MOVE foundation, another project has already been completed. MOVE works on behalf of children and young people aged ten to sixteen who have fewer opportunities than their peers. Meeting others lies at the heart of all the projects: together, children, young people and students discover other worlds of experience and broaden their perspective. Together with four PDEng students, children carried out a creative project to do their bit for their own neighborhood.

A collaboration with PSV-fit is also underway. The aim here is to get people fitter and to facilitate sport in all neighborhoods of the city. Working with the sports associations, students can make a difference by, say, hosting a clinic. As time goes by, new projects will be launched. The plan is to start getting everything up and running in September. Vacancies for volunteers will be posted online as of week 28.

Curious about the projects or keen to take part? You can sign up via the Social Heroes web page. You do not need to offer a particular talent or skill. “We simply ask that you are motivated,” Van der Jagt assures us.

On the header the team behind Social Heroes. Valerie van der Jagt left.