JCU Students Visit Save the Children Headquarters in Rome
On February 21, a delegation of 12 students from John Cabot University visited the headquarters of Save the Children, the largest NGO devoted to improving the lives of children. The company visit was organized by the Center for Career Services.
Students gained valuable insights into Save the Children and its operations in Italy. They learned about cooperation efforts with local Italian authorities in research, policy analysis, and outreach. Additionally, they explored the organization’s global initiatives aimed at ending child poverty and providing education, protection to children in crisis, emergency relief, and other long-term development projects. Save the Children works tirelessly to ensure that every child’s basic needs are met so that they can have a better future.
Another highlight of the visit was the opportunity to learn about career paths within the nonprofit sector. Representatives from Save the Children shared how professionals can get involved in fields ranging from project management to communication, advocacy, and fundraising. Students learned how they can build meaningful careers that not only align with their values but also make a tangible difference in the world. The visit also opened up important conversations about how we can all contribute to causes we care about through our professional and personal lives.
This company visit was more than just an information session; it was an invitation to actively engage in a larger conversation about global issues that negatively affect children. It served as a reminder that we all have a role to play in improving the lives of those less fortunate, and that with the right skills and mindset, we can all contribute to building a better, more just world.
Small Efforts, Big Change
JCU student Fayzeh Abou Ardat, who is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies, said about the visit: “Save the Children faces significant challenges, including a “polycrisis,” a shrinking humanitarian space, decreasing funds due to the politicization of aid, and the growing perception that International Humanitarian Law is less neutral. Overall, I found the visit to be incredibly empowering and insightful, giving me a deeper appreciation for the critical work Save the Children does and the impact of their unwavering commitment to protecting and advocating for children worldwide,” said Fayzeh.
M.A. in International Affairs student Tavaka Mutungamiri, said: “The entire experience was enlightening, with discussions on the history of the NGO, which was founded in 1919, and how the work of the organization is rooted in helping children regardless of their country’s socio-political climate or their own backgrounds. The combination of such a unique setting and engaging discussions made this a visit I am unlikely to forget.”
Students walked away from this visit with new perspectives, not only on the essential work Save the Children does, but also on the importance of finding meaningful ways to contribute to the well-being of their communities. For many of them, the visit reinforced the belief that small efforts can lead to big changes, and it inspired a renewed commitment to helping others.
This visit reaffirmed that by working together, everyone can be part of the solution and create lasting change in the lives of children in need.
