“Sharing is Caring”: How VMU Students Build a Sustainable and Supportive Community
On January 31st, Vytautas Magnus University proudly hosted the 4th edition of the “Sharing is Caring” event. Nearly 100 new exchange and full-time students joined this beloved Orientation Days tradition.
Organized as part of the DON@ project – Donation Opportunities for Newcomers, in collaboration with ESN VMU Kaunas, this initiative supports students with fewer opportunities by fostering inclusion, sustainability, and mutual support.
Newcomer students discovered plenty of free, useful items left by the previous cohort, including kitchenware, household essentials, sports equipment, and hobby supplies. Plus, all registered participants entered a lottery and won valuable prizes to help make Kaunas feel like home!
The Impact of Donations
Shaurya Jaiswal from India, a Master’s student in Applied Informatics, reflected on the importance of donations:
“One of the biggest headaches for students leaving at the end of every semester is packing and deciding what to do with items they no longer need. It’s impossible to carry everything home due to luggage restrictions, and many of these items already exist back home. Instead of throwing them away and contributing to the ever-growing waste problem, why not donate them?”
At the same time, he emphasized the financial benefits for students:
“We’ve all struggled to adjust to a new environment, trying to find daily essentials and often overpaying due to a lack of knowledge about discounts and offers. Donated items can be incredibly useful, providing easy access to necessary items while helping students save money.”
Mostapha Alahiane, a Master’s student in Education Management, helped sort out items left by Indonesian students who spent the Autumn semester at VMU within the IISMA Fellowship Program. He shared:
“As part of their farewell, they donated a wide range of items, including jackets, t-shirts, shoes, kitchenware, and study essentials. These thoughtful gestures not only reflect their gratitude for their time in Lithuania but also their willingness to give back to the community. Clothes will be donated to Caritas to help homeless people stay warm during the winter, while other items will be shared with incoming students, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported. It’s a beautiful way to turn goodbyes into acts of kindness, leaving behind not just memories but a meaningful impact.”
The Future of the DON@ Project
Although the DON@ project officially ends in October, future events will continue, organized by ESN VMU Kaunas volunteers (Erasmus Student Network).
Students recognize the importance of volunteering during their studies. Anastasiia Puha from Ukraine, a Master’s student in Diplomacy and International Relations, shared her perspective:
“Many students wonder whether volunteering is important for their CV and whether it’s worth their time. As a volunteer with ESN VMU and the DON@ project, I can confidently say that many students and people truly appreciate your support. You contribute to meaningful projects, develop personal skills, expand your network, and gain recommendations from senior colleagues. These experiences help in your future profession, and you can also add volunteering to your CV under ‘work experience’ or ‘community activism.’”
A Meaningful Experience
The “Sharing is Caring” event was filled with joy, new friendships, and shared experiences, all while making a real impact – saving on essentials, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability!
Learn more:
May 2024 – The DON@ Project’s Multiplier Event focuses on Student Integration
February 2024 – The DON@ Project is Entering Its Final Phase
January 2024 – DON@ Project: Fostering Reciprocal Help Among International Students and video
August 2023 – DON@: International Students Embrace “Sharing is Caring” Event and video
