The closing ceremony for the 18th edition of the municipal program “A l’estiu, Barcelona t’acull” (Summer, Barcelona Welcomes You) was held today in the Saló de Cent of the Barcelona City Council, attended by Deputy Mayor Raquel Gil and Commissioner for Social Action Sonia Fuertes, who presented the diplomas to the participants.
This year, 141 boys and girls aged between 12 and 19, who have recently arrived in the city, participated in this initiative. The program is designed to facilitate their arrival, reunion with families, and familiarization with the new environment, also including support for the families.
Promoted by the Directorate of Immigration and Refugee Services in collaboration with the Consortium of Libraries, the project is part of the "New Families: Support for Family Reunification" program. Participants come from 21 different countries, with 50% from South and Central America, 42% from Asia, 6% from Europe, and 2% from Africa.
Raquel Gil highlighted that Barcelona "is a city that grows with diversity" and that programs like this help young people and families to "feel part of the city from day one," promoting spaces to grow, build connections, and shape their future on equal terms.
For her part, Sonia Fuertes emphasized that inclusion is built by "guaranteeing rights and opportunities, but also by fostering participation, shared responsibility, and democratic values," advocating for a city that recognizes diversity as a value and builds social cohesion.
During July and August, seven libraries across different districts hosted workshops and activities led by professionals. The young people, who have been living in the city for between one month and just over a year, worked on shared experiences, relationship skills, and self-confidence. Catalan has been the project's vehicular language, promoting its learning through basic linguistic content.
Among the notable activities, the Versemblant workshop was held, using rap and urban art to encourage critical reflection and active participation, working on values such as inclusion, cooperation, and self-esteem.
The program also includes visits to cultural and leisure sites such as Montjuïc Castle, the Horta Labyrinth, CosmoCaixa science museum, and the Tibidabo Amusement Park, as well as acquiring basic knowledge of Catalan language and culture.
