Daily life at the socio-educational center
Every Monday, shortly before five in the afternoon, Poeta Cabanyes Street in Barcelona’s Poble-sec district transforms into a meeting point for children and teenagers. The youngest arrive hand in hand with their parents, while the older ones enter alone, full of energy and laughing about the day’s experiences.
As opening time approaches, anticipation grows. With a few minutes to five o’clock, the doors of the parish premises open, and educators from the Pere Tarrés Foundation come out to greet them. The greetings are warm and familiar, with conversations flowing about recent events.
A vital space for families in difficulty
This center has become a fundamental pillar for vulnerable families in the area, with a weekly attendance of around 150 children. Their reality is often harsh, as many live in substandard housing conditions, with few leisure options and a hostile urban environment.
The role of the center in education
Despite the efforts of teachers, children’s learning needs often cannot be met at school. Here, the socio-educational center acts as a second home, where children not only do homework, but also enjoy moments of leisure and companionship.
Comprehensive and community support
Educators are not only dedicated to academic instruction. They also provide emotional and administrative support, helping families, especially mothers, navigate the difficulties of everyday life. Their involvement goes beyond the classroom, creating an environment of trust and support.
A wider network of solidarity
This work is not unique to Poble-sec. More than 6,000 children benefit from similar initiatives in 45 Foundation centers in various locations such as Barcelona, Sabadell and Lleida. These actions demonstrate the Church’s commitment to the social and educational mission, offering essential support to those who need it most.
Reflections on the future
The work done in these centers is vital to ensuring that children have the opportunity to thrive in a world that often leaves them behind. As society evolves, it is essential to maintain support for these initiatives, ensuring that no child is left without the help they need to build a better future.
