The Diplomat
The non-governmental organisation Harambee called for “all working together” in Africa during an event held this week at the “Al in One” space at CaixaBank, on the occasion of the International Day of Care and Support.
The event was attended by the counselor of Family, Youth and Social Affairs of the Community of Madrid, Ana Dávila-Ponce de León Municio; Teresa de Borbón Dos Sicilias, president of the Harambee Spain Honorary Committee; Antonio Hernández Deus, president of the NGO Harambee; and Juan Antonio Peña, director of Institutional Banking at CaixaBank in Madrid.
Ramón Pardo de Santayana, vice-president of Harambee, stressed the importance of working “all together” on common causes, and pointed out that, in the case of Harambee, its main work is focused on “contributing to the development of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa so that they can maintain their roots and, by directing their own projects, help their own people in their own country.”
Manuel Bretón, president of Cáritas Spain, stated that “solidarity is not an abstract feeling but a firm and persevering determination in search of the common good” and insisted on the need to “put the person at the centre of care.”
For her part, Luisa González, vice-president of the College of Physicians of Madrid, called for “working on a change of direction and mentality regarding health and well-being, seeking true progress and human flourishing.”
The director general of Casa África, José Segura Clavell, intervened through a video message, highlighting migration not only as a challenge” but also an opportunity” because the young people who come to our country “bring with them -doijo- energy, talent and the desire to work for a better future. Spain and Europe in general can benefit greatly if they manage to see in them, not only migrants, but people with great potential”.
Papa Balla Ndong, president of the Federation of African Union Spain, who arrived in Valencia from Senegal 20 years ago, stressed that “care is much more than a simple act of help; it is the essence of a truly inclusive and supportive society, which transcends borders, languages and cultures, which connects us all as human beings, and reminds us that true progress is only possible when all people, regardless of their origin or circumstance, have the opportunity to live with dignity and respect”.
Federico Martínez explained how this sensitivity to caring for people led him to found Soluzziona eight years ago, together with his wife, Arantxa Aznar, a foundation that provides training to immigrant women in vulnerable situations in Spain, to facilitate their first entry into the world of work and from which more than 1,500 women have already benefited.
Ana Dávila-Ponce de León, who closed the event, said: “Harambee is a source of pride for the Community of Madrid, as is each entity with which we share objectives, criteria and a philosophy based on not leaving anyone behind, on not abandoning those who need us.”
