This initiative, named Acción Social Escolar (ASE+), aims to identify the needs of youth in the Safor region and combine resources with other European municipalities. The enriching transnational experience took the young participants to Portuguese lands, where they sailed the waters of the Duero river.
During their stay, eight youth correspondents from IES Vall de la Safor, along with two young people from Málaga and eight Portuguese (all aged between 15 and 17), participated in a program of activities designed to foster cultural exchange and discover the opportunities offered by the European Union within the framework of socio-educational support.
The visit included border towns such as Atenor or Uva, where Spanish and Portuguese cultures intertwine. Participants took a journey along the Duero river, delving into the cultural identity of the Trás-os-Montes region, exploring local wildlife, visiting the museum, and experiencing traditions like the Pauliteiros dance.
The expedition not only allowed the youth to establish connections but also strengthened institutional relations. The Councillor for Youth and Citizen Participation of Villalonga, Jonatan Ruiz, and the third vice-president of the Mancomunitat de la Safor and mayor of Palma de Gandia, Paula Femenia, led the delegation. Both held discussions with the mayor of Miranda do Douro, Helena Barril, to explore future collaborations between European municipalities.
“"These types of experiences allow us to detect the needs of the municipality's youth and thus help them build their own life project, prevent situations of vulnerability, and take advantage of shared resources that, perhaps, a municipality alone does not have."
The ASE+ project, led by the Villalonga Town Council, is co-financed by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program and supported by the Diputación de Valencia. The Malaga-based association Maestrices and the Portuguese entity Museus e Monuments de Portugal, which acted as host on this occasion, also participate.
“"It has been a very valuable exchange of cultures, ways of doing things, and ways of accompanying the youth of our towns. We hope to have many experiences that encourage our young people to grow in community."
The exchange will continue this summer. After an initial contact in Málaga and the successful experience in Portugal, Villalonga will host the next transnational meeting in July. The municipality in La Safor will welcome delegations from Málaga and Miranda do Douro to reciprocate the hospitality received and continue building bridges through youth training and culture. For more information, the official project profile on social media, @aseplusyouth, can be followed.
