International volunteering: From Spain to Mexico
A transforming adventure
For more than a month, from November 6 to December 16, 5 volunteers from the Province of Compostela, University of Salamanca, have been volunteering at the “Asamblea Comunitaria Miravalle”, a school in Central Mexico. The following is the testimony of MarĂa GĂłmez, Lidia Maes, Itziar PĂ©rez, Alba Iñigo and Samuel De la Calle.
The last day at Miravalles has arrived, closing of an unforgettable chapter in our lives. We, a group of five young adventurers, embarked on this journey with the hope of living a unique experience. What we found exceeded our expectations.
From the moment we arrived at Miravalles, we were greeted with a warmth and hospitality that left us speechless. The schools opened their doors and welcomed us with open arms. The children, with their innocence and enthusiasm, showed us their world with a frankness that touched us deeply.
Despite cultural and socioeconomic differences, we discover that the joy of life is universal. The children of Miravalles, with their curiosity and love for life, taught us that happiness can be found in the simplest things.
Throughout our stay, we have had our ups and downs. We have experienced moments of joy and moments of challenge. However, each obstacle we faced taught us to live together as a small family and to appreciate the value of solidarity.
The reality of the children of Miravalles is different from ours. Despite the challenges they may face, their indomitable spirit and love of life are a testament to their inner strength. His curiosity about us, the visitors from Spain, showed us that curiosity has no borders.
Mexico has given us a group of unforgettable people, people we know we will always be able to count on. This country, with its rich culture and friendly people, has left a lasting impression on us. As we prepare to say goodbye to Miravalles, we take with us not only memories, but also life lessons, friendships and a deeper appreciation of what it means to be part of a community. Although we leave physically, a part of us will always remain here, in Miravalles, and a part of Miravalles will always live in us.
So, as we say goodbye, we do so with gratitude in our hearts and with the hope that someday we will be able to return to this place we now call home. Until then, we will carry with us the lessons learned, the friendships forged and the memories created, and we look forward to the next adventures that await us. And since we don’t like goodbyes, so long, Miravalles! So long, Mexican family!
With affection and many tears in their eyes, the Spanish teachers:
MarĂa GĂłmez, Lidia Maes, Itziar PĂ©rez, Alba Iñigo and Samuel De la Calle.
Saturday, December 16, 2023, Mexico City.
My adventure in this experience has been fascinating and enriching. The warm welcome of the community and the feeling of safety have been highlights. However, the absence of volunteer opportunities, which was at the core of my interest, has been a challenging aspect. Despite this, I have learned valuable lessons and deeply value the connections made during this unique experience (MÂȘ GĂłmez SĂĄnchez)
Mexico has been a personal experience for me, thanks to which I have had the opportunity to get to know another country, culture and way of life. It has allowed me to see the reality of what is happening there and how fortunate we are to have everything we have in our country, especially in education. Besides, it has taught me to give the best of myself, to be empathetic, to learn how-to live-in harmony and to show my true self. Therefore, Mexico has helped me to get to know myself (Lidia Maes Herreruela).
For me Iztapalapa has been a total change of life, the experience is indescribable, it is to go to a society that I thought was extinct, kind and humble people, who don’t mind giving what little they have to those who are there to help. The school and the children are different in Spain, they have a different way of life and that makes the behavior different, but with the same innocent and pure look that any child has, for this reason, it is important for teachers to adapt to each social context, because they are people and there is no equal (Samuel de la Calle Calzada).
