LUX 1 Students Embrace The Joy of Giving!
By Natalia LASKOWSKA
Edited by Bianca PANTA
Rainbows represent hope, and an all-embracing image of friendship and inclusion. Starting in September, a group of students from the European School of Luxembourg I have been involved in the non-profit organization Riding the Rainbow.
Riding the Rainbow and the students have come together to spread a message of solidarity through the CAAP program, coordinated by Mrs. Ramos. CAAP, the Citizenship Action for All Program, is an initiative directed towards youth, where students must find a place to volunteer at. “This enables students to have some real contact with their communities.” Mrs. Ramos tells us. “They aren’t interested in it just because they get credit for university, they are really looking for volunteering opportunities. They really want to make a change.”
The pupils bring a new, young approach to the project, promoting it through communication with other students, social media, and bake sales, as well as through the sharing of their ideas and creativity which help develop the association.
People are used to either throwing away things they don’t use anymore or donating them to charity without considering who may benefit from them, or whether there is a genuine need for those items. Through Riding the Rainbow, it is now possible to establish a connection between the donor and the person in need, even through a simple greeting, which can really make a difference, helping to reshape perceptions of refugees.
”This project started in my garage, just a few meters from here.” Says Emanuele Santi, founder of Riding the Rainbow. This initiative started when the war in Ukraine broke out, two years ago. ”I had a dream: Welcoming every child escaping from war and persecution with a bike.”
After a few months of work, the association distributed 300 bikes to refugees living in Luxembourg. “Children left my garage with a big, happy smile, and that’s when I had the idea of creating something even bigger.” Emanuele tells us joyfully. “Many people found jobs through meetings in my garage, and a lot of kids were able to join the football clubs of the donors of their new bike.”
The initiative gives people an opportunity to genuinely connect with each other. Initially focusing on simple acts like bike donations, Riding the Rainbow now works to provide a sense of normality and independence for those who have left everything behind. With the help of volunteers, Emanuele was able to create an app, which has to this day over 2500 users. The organization also has a website. Both are available to all who are willing to help. It is now possible to donate not only bikes, but all sorts of items such as games, books, electronic devices, baby necessities, clothes… and even musical instruments!
Emanuele Santi’s vision, born from a desire to support children fleeing conflict, has grown into a successful initiative that spreads hope and joy. The commitment of LUX1 students to this organization through the CAAP program has allowed them to engage in meaningful volunteer work, promoting a culture of solidarity and inclusivity for all.