Jordi González, a resident of Santa Coloma de Gramenet since 1994, explains his motivation for joining the Language Volunteer Program (VPL) of the CPNL following the 2010 crisis. Since then, he has accompanied more than twenty learners from fifteen different backgrounds, finding personal enrichment and a path to linguistic and social integration in this experience.
González, who has always spoken Catalan, learned Spanish at school. His involvement in the VPL has allowed him to meet people from very diverse cultures, such as a young woman from Colombia, another Muslim woman with two degrees, or an Argentinian. He maintains contact with some learners and positively values their desire to integrate into Catalonia.
According to the volunteer, all learners share a desire to learn and communicate, seeing language as the best way to integrate. Although many already know Spanish, they find Catalan not too difficult to master. González facilitates recognition at the first meeting by wearing a cap and carrying a bag, or now, through WhatsApp messages.
Meetings usually take place in cafes, but also include cultural outings such as visits to the Sant Antoni market or talks. González prioritizes letting the learner speak, asking questions about current events or history, and discussing the learner's culture and way of life, a topic he particularly enjoys.
The volunteer highlights that the VPL brings him human relationships and insights into other cultures. He finds it fulfilling to see the integration efforts of newcomers to Catalonia. González is surprised that the majority of learners (nine out of ten) are women, suggesting a potentially more open mind, an observation he has also made while learning Italian.
He recommends volunteering, despite acknowledging that many people cite a lack of time. He assures that the experience is very positive and rewarding.
