On February 7, 2025, the European School of Alicante hosted a significant event in its assembly hall to honor the dedication of S5 and S6 secondary students who participated in the Citizenship Actions for All Programme (CAAP) during the 2023-24 academic year. During the ceremony, Deputy Director of Secondary Education José Luis Hernández and program coordinator Philip Jones presented certificates to the students, acknowledging their involvement in various community projects.

Implementation of CAAP in European Schools

CAAP, one of the initiatives of the Irish presidency of the European Schools, was developed in 2022 by the Office of the Secretary-General in close collaboration with InterParents and other stakeholders of the European School system. Sara Portela and Reet Escribano who, at the time served as vice president and president of AMPA, represented InterParents in the OSG working group, who at the time served as vice president and president of the Parents’ Association (AMPA) of the European School of Alicante respectively. The CAAP began as a pilot project and has now been successfully implemented across all 13 European Schools. In the past academic year, in the European School of Alicante, 79 students participated in the CAAP.

The Citizenship Actions for All Programme (CAAP) as well as the Work Experience (WEX) are key initiatives in European Schools, targeting S5 and S6 secondary students to complement their academic and personal development. The WEX program focuses on providing students with practical insights into the working world, aiding them in developing skills such as preparing résumés, cover letters, and interview techniques. Conversely, the CAAP, launched as a pilot project in the 2022-2023 academic year, aims to enhance students’ independence and civic competence through volunteer activities and active participation in their local communities.

Both programs are complementary, promoting the holistic development of students by preparing them for professional challenges and their roles as responsible and compassionate citizens. It is proposed that WEX primarily focuses on S6 students, given that in many countries, the minimum age for internships is 16, while CAAP would be directed at S5 students, with participation opportunities for those in S4 and S6. These activities would take place over 1 or 2 weeks following the second-semester exams, coinciding with the suspension of classes due to the European Baccalaureate oral examinations.

Collaboration with Local Associations in Alicante

Throughout the 2023-24 academic year, students have closely collaborated with various local organizations, including:

• INPAVI (Integración para la Vida): With over 40 years supporting individuals in social exclusion.
• Reacción Solidaria: A group of 35 volunteers distributing food and providing emotional support to homeless individuals.
• Huellas en la Montaña (Busot): An animal rescue center caring for abandoned dogs, including those displaced by the war in Ukraine.
• Cámara Solidaria – Alicante Gastronómica Solidaria: Founded five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, currently preparing 800 daily meals in Mutxamel-Alicante for those in need.

CAAP Premium Initiative

During the event, CAAP coordinator Philip Jones introduced the «CAAP Premium» initiative, awarding a «Premium Certificate» to volunteers who participated in notable activities, such as:

• December 2024 Christmas Collaboration: Gift wrapping for the Red Cross.
• Musical Project «Fantasea»: Involvement behind the scenes in the musical, with funds raised donated to the Red Cross.

Next Steps

The European School of Alicante remains committed to promoting programs that encourage social responsibility and the comprehensive development of its students. Both WEX and CAAP are fundamental pillars in this mission, providing students with enriching experiences that extend beyond the classroom and prepare them to face contemporary challenges with empathy and determination.

The school encourages all S5 and S6 students to join the CAAP at any point during the academic year. Additionally, efforts are underway to explore ways to make a greater impact in the Alicante community through structured activities and outreach initiatives.

Are you involved in volunteer work yourself? Or do you know an organization that could welcome some student volunteers? If so, we would greatly appreciate your assistance in connecting us with this charity or organisation to offer our students enriching and volunteering opportunities.