Carolina Ugarte

Learning to Participate: International Experiences of Service-Learning and Community Service Programs

Defined as disinterested care for the needs of others, voluntary work can be explained in terms of the social and relational nature of human beings, who may reach fulfillment through concern for the good of those around them. Interest in this issue has increased in recent times. Historically, voluntary activities have differed with regard to organizational procedures, underlying values or even official titles; however, such activities share a common objective: freely-given and free, committed service of others (Martinez-Odria, 2005a).

Editorial. Europe as an Educational Framework: Cultures, Values and Dialogues

The reality of Europe is that it comprises diverse cultures, with different ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. However, over and above these characteristics, there is common ground which is accepted, in theory at least, by its citizens and politicians. This basis may be summarized as: human rights and universal citizenship. This common base allows for and facilitates that frequently controversial political, social and civic dialogue which is the foundation on which a common European identity may be built.