USJ Macao to Host Asia-Oceania Youth Awardees Bound for Papal Audience at Uniservitate Awards 2026
USJ Macao to Host Asia-Oceania Youth Awardees Bound for Papal Audience at Uniservitate Awards 2026
08
Jul
08/07/2026
USJ Macao is set to host the Service-Learning Student Summit 2026 (SLSS 2026) at its Ilha Verde campus from 3 to 6 August, in partnership with De La Salle University (DLSU), Philippines.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao, has officially become the regional hub for youth-driven social impact as it is set to host the Service-Learning Student Summit 2026 (SLSS 2026) at its Ilha Verde campus from 3 to 6 August, in partnership with De La Salle University (DLSU), Philippines.
DLSU as the Uniservitate Asia & Oceania Regional Hub manages the regional implementation of the global awards, drawing an extraordinary caliber of regional submissions focused on solidarity, academic integration, and community empowerment.
Following the theme “Reciprocal Convergence: Empowering the Asia and Oceania Region’s Collective Action through Service-Learning”, the summit convenes students across the Asia and Oceania region to showcase how student-led Service-Learning (SL) projects translate the academic knowledge into sustained social impact.
Additionally, the pinnacle of the summit features the highly anticipated presentation of the Uniservitate Awards 2026 for the Asia & Oceania region, recognising exceptional SL initiatives across the globe within Catholic Higher Education Institutions.
The summit brings together the student changemakers behind these acclaimed SL experiences. Adding to the gravity of the accolade, first place representatives of the winning initiatives will travel to Rome, Italy, in late October 2026 to participate in the VII Global Symposium. This will include the opportunity to attend a General Audience with Pope Leo XIV.
Celebrating the 2026 Asia & Oceania Awardees:
First Place Awardees:
- Adhikaing Ganap Para sa Yaring Kabuhayan (AGAPAY) – De La Salle University Dasmariñas (Philippines): An initiative driving sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience in grassroots communities.
- Behavioral Insights Interventions to Improve Complementary Feeding Practices in Assam – Assam Don Bosco University (India): A vital health project utilizing behavioral data to combat infant malnutrition.
Special Mention Awardees:
- Providing Psychosocial Support to Marginalized Groups through Service-Learning in the Disaster and Mental Health Course – Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines): This innovative initiative integrates mental health education with crisis response, deploying university students to provide critical psychological first aid and emotional support to vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters and systemic marginalization.
- S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strengthening Hope, Insight, Engagement, Listening & Dedication) – Christ University (India): A targeted psychosocial support network for the parents of children fighting cancer.
Institutional Program Awardee:
- IPaTUBIG: Empowering IP Community Through WaSH and Renewable Energy – University of San Agustin (Philippines): A holistic clean water and green energy project for indigenous populations.
By hosting the summit, Macao serves as the vital link between grassroots student actions across Asia and the global platform at the Vatican. Media outlets are invited to witness the unfolding stories of these global youth leaders.
About Uniservitate:
Uniservitate is a global network and program optimized to promote Service-Learning in Catholic Higher Education Institutions worldwide. It aims to generate a systemic culture in institutions that links academic study with meaningful, supportive community action.
