From July 20th to 24th, the practical training experience (job shadowing) ‘Exploring the Social Sector in Catalonia/Spain with the DEAES Team’ took place in Barcelona.
It was led by the CEMEA-Occitanie professional team, an organization that offers accredited training in children's and youth activities and in the organization of non-formal educational, sports, and cultural activities.
This is the eighth activity that the Fundació Catalunya Voluntaria has carried out in partnership with CEMEA, and the sixth with CEMEA-Occitanie, thanks to the support of the European Commission's Erasmus+ program and the French national agency. It is also the second activity led by members of the organization's professional team, without students participating.
The group spent the morning of the first day visiting the FCV and learning about its history, programs, and educational approach at the Casa del Mar. Afterward, they walked through the Poblesec neighborhood to the Teatre Lliure to learn about the vision and work of the Mescladís Foundation from its director in the Mescladís Montjuïc restaurant on its upper loft. On the second day, the group went to the Sant Martí district to learn about the activities of the Youth BCN association from one of its founders. He presented the activities they carry out with the voluntary collaboration of young people from the neighborhood, across Europe, and a network of partner organizations, as well as the various activities they undertake through the aforementioned community action program and the European Solidarity Corps program as well.
On the third day, we dedicated the morning to visiting the Esclat Marina Residence and Day Center, managed by ‘Esclat’ Social Group in the Zona Franca. We were accompanied by its director, who showed us the facilities and explained the center's daily operations.
Despite the heat, the group greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit these organizations and meet the people in charge. We sincerely thank them for opening their doors to us, dedicating their valuable time to presenting their work, and above all, for sharing their passion, energy, and professionalism in helping people in vulnerable situations.
While the first day began with a presentation on the context of the third sector in Catalonia, the final day consisted of a concluding evaluation. The group shared their satisfaction with the activities, the selection of organizations, and the support of the FCV as the host.
We hope to collaborate again with CEMEA-Occitanie and the same group members on future activities.
For more information about this activity, please send a message to projectes@catalunyavoluntaria.cat (Lluc).
