The UIT not only introduces participants to Utrecht and everything the city has to offer, but also aims to raise their awareness of important social issues. Both in the lead-up to and during the UIT week, the UIT actively supports a social initiative that has a positive impact on the city and its residents. That’s why, every year, we partner with a charity dedicated to making a positive impact on Utrecht and its residents.
The theme of UIT2026 is “Together UIT, Together at Home,” which emphasizes the importance of connection. In line with this theme, this year we are collaborating with Careibu: a charitable organization dedicated to bringing all generations together.
Read more below about the charity supported by the previous UIT. The theme of UIT2026 was “Together UIT, Together at Home,” which focuses on the importance of connection. In line with this theme, UIT has partnered with Careibu: a charitable organization dedicated to bringing all generations together.
Careibu
Make a difference in Utrecht—right alongside your studies.
Want to meet new people, make a difference in someone else’s life, and work on your own personal growth? With Careibu, you can do volunteer work that easily fits into your student life.
Here's what you'll get out of it
- Easy to get involved: choose a project that fits your interests and schedule.
- An MDT certificate: a valuable addition to your resume that demonstrates you have gained social experience.
- Stronger social skills: practice listening, communicating, taking the initiative, and connecting with people outside your own circle.
- New Encounters: Get to know other young people and Utrecht residents of different generations.
- An experience you'll never forget: have fun while making a difference in someone else's life
Nice to meet you: we're Careibu!
Careibu is a social community that connects young people with children, seniors, and others who could use a little extra attention or help.
The name refers to the caribou: a social animal that lives in a herd where members take good care of one another. That is exactly what Careibu stands for: connecting young and old, combating loneliness, and ensuring that everyone feels seen and welcome.
Did you know that more than 8,000 people have already found a buddy?
Become a mentor to a child
Make an impact and grow as a person
As a child’s mentor, you’ll learn how to guide, motivate, and communicate clearly. You’ll discover just how valuable your attention can be, gain more confidence in interacting with children, and gain relevant experience to add to your resume.
Whether it’s playing soccer together, doing crafts, reading, doing homework, or exploring Utrecht—you decide what works best for you. You’ll give a child personal attention and something fun to look forward to.
No experience is necessary. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine interest are much more important.
Become a Reading Buddy
Help a child succeed with personalized attention
As a reading buddy, you’ll help a child learn to read and improve your own coaching and communication skills. You’ll learn how to explain things patiently, motivate someone, and celebrate successes. It’s valuable experience for your resume, especially if you want to work with children or people in the future.
Together, you’ll read stories that match the child’s interests and reading level. This way, you’ll show that reading isn’t just important—it can also be a lot of fun. And you’ll rediscover for yourself just how enjoyable a good story can be.
Become a buddy to a senior
Step out of your student bubble
As a mentor to a senior, you’ll improve your conversation skills, learn to listen to other perspectives, and build a special bond with someone from a different generation. It’s great for your social skills—and for hearing stories you wouldn’t normally hear in a lecture hall.
Have coffee together, go for a walk, visit a museum, play a game, or just catch up. You decide together what to do and when to meet up.
This way, you can build meaningful connections while gaining new insights and life experience yourself.
Make the most of your time as a student
At Careibu, volunteering isn't about complicated obligations. It's about caring, having fun, personal growth, and meaningful connections. You choose what suits you best and how much time you have available.
In the meantime, you’ll broaden your social experience, strengthen your social skills, and have the opportunity to earn an MDT certificate. It’s a great addition to your resume, but above all, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Ready to make Utrecht a little warmer and your college years even more memorable?
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