To welcome, protect, integrate and promote. These are the four verbs proposed by Pope Francis to respond to the migration crisis. They are being set in motion by the Ellacuria Foundation and Caritas, with support from the UNHCR.
This is the first initative of its kind in Spain. For the past six months, several volunteers have given the best of themselves to help this Syrian family with the integration process.
The family fled the war-torn country after two of their kids were killed by bombs.
WINWER
Syrian refugee
“There was a huge wound that I left behind, but since I arrived in Spain and found these people, my wound has grown a little smaller. Of course I can't forget my children who died, but they help me to manage. There are no words to describe how I feel about the group.”
Evidently, loving care plays a critical role in welcoming this family, who has experienced first-hand a seemingly endless war.
KARMELE VILLAROEL
Ellacuría Foundation
“The program clearly benefits the resettled refugee family. It helps them with their daily tasks, the relationship with their environment and their access to the resources. The program creates committed citizens who get to know a reality they might not have experienced.”
There are committed people like Tito, a retired lawyer who helps parents learn Spanish. This is one of the first steps when arriving, because of the opportunities it can create.
MINWER
Syrian refugee
“Our integration has been great. We're learning the language faster, and the children, too. The group makes our lives easier.”
Part of this fast integration are the people they meet, like Begoña. Begoña is a retired nurse and has become the children's best friend. Together they form a great family that has given these refugees the warmth of the home they lost to the horrors of war.
