“We started from an idea (we wanted to convey to young people that, from Europe, social cohesion is promoted at a European level through free programmes that allow you to stay abroad doing volunteer work, learn about values, exchange experiences, learn languages, and live with different people, and that this is almost like a master’s degree),” explains Susana Ibáñez, Director and President of Fundació Obre’t Ebre, on the programme Clau Ebrenca, where she was invited on 24 March to present the origins and work of the foundation.
The activity of the Fundació Obre’t Ebre began with the aim of sharing the values and experience of participating in mobility programmes. The intention was to encourage and empower young people in the region to take part in these free programmes and to experience the learning that comes from living alongside people from different backgrounds. From this starting point, the organisation gradually became established.
A benchmark in promoting opportunities
The strength of the Fundació Obre’t Ebre lies in its work with individuals who, without these programmes, would likely face difficulties in accessing educational resources, undertaking stays abroad, or learning languages.
Mobility programmes such as Erasmus+ are often perceived as being exclusively for university or post-compulsory education students. However, as Susana Ibáñez explains, these opportunities also include non-formal education and cultural youth exchanges covering a wide range of topics.
Travel as a tool for social transformation
During the interview, it is emphasised that these mobility experiences are not simply “a trip.” They are not limited to travel, but rather constitute experiences that can encourage and motivate young people to continue their educational pathways, improve their employability, and, in some cases, help them identify their interests and future directions.
Furthermore, both before and after the mobility experience, participants receive training related to volunteering or the language of the destination country. Once the stay has concluded, participants are also supported by a tutor and receive follow-up guidance. These mobility programmes therefore function as a comprehensive educational experience.
Terres de l’Ebre on the map
The foundation has played a key role in promoting European values and the Terres de l’Ebre region. Through mobility programmes, it has contributed to building a network of opportunities and fostering continuous exchange, helping to position the region within the European landscape.
In this way, Obre’t Ebre not only facilitates international experiences, but also promotes the personal and professional development of young people and strengthens the connection between the region and Europe.
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