This 2023-2024 school year, the ”Dinem Junts!” program has continued to transform the lives of many young people and families in vulnerable situations, going far beyond offering just a meal. In this program, which is present in eleven towns in Catalonia and, since this year, in Huelva, a total of 470 teenagers have participated. With the collaboration of twelve local organizations and the Social Services of each municipality, the program has successfully created a solid support network.  

In a context where poverty and scarcity are a daily reality for many families, especially those with children, the lack of educational resources and access to healthy and nutritious food—particularly without the guidance of a responsible adult—can have devastating consequences. “Dinem Junts!” was created to address these needs by providing a protective space where we offer socio-educational support to young people, in addition to ensuring a healthy and balanced diet. Sports, games, emotional learning sessions, academic support, cybersecurity, and civics are some of the activities the young people engage in during these midday and afternoon sessions. 

Once again, the program has proven to be an effective tool in addressing child poverty, offering not only food but also a space for comprehensive support and guidance that helps young people develop into adults. In their testimonials, the young participants affirm that this program helps them improve every day. 

Dinem Junts!” is a networked effort among the young people, educators, families, social services, local organizations, and Probitas.

One of the pillars of the program is the educational team, composed of professionals trained in Social Education, Psychology, or Social Integration. This is essential to ensure that the young participants receive the necessary emotional and educational support. The presence of a professional and committed team ensures that each young person can develop in a safe and stimulating environment.

Collaboration with the municipalities' Social Services is also key to identifying, along with the local socio-educational organizations managing each group, the families most in need of the program's support. The situations of the minors are analyzed, and Social Services refer them to “Dinem Junts!”, ensuring that this resource reaches those who truly need it. This networked work has strengthened the Foundation's relationship with the municipalities, leading, in some cases, to the inclusion of this program within the municipalities' social services portfolio, contributing resources.

In collaboration with the organization Inserta Andalucía, we have launched a new “Dinem Junts!” group with the participation of 17 young people from Torrejón, an underprivileged neighbourhood in Huelva. 

The assessment from the educational team is very positive, and significant improvements have been observed in the self-esteem and social skills of the young participants, who have learned to respect rules, collaborate effectively in teams, and control their impulses. 

The head of studies at La Marisma Institute, where these young people attend secondary school, stated: “I’ve seen an incredible transformation in the students; they are now more respectful and cooperative. The program has provided them with the tools they need to manage their emotions and conflicts in a constructive way.” 

Furthermore, families have expressed their satisfaction: “My child has changed since participating in the program; he is more responsible and gets along better with his siblings. I am very grateful for the support and opportunities they have given him.” 

The testimonials from the young participants are inspiring: “Before, I had many problems at school and with my friends; now I know how to better handle difficult situations,” “I like coming to the activities because I feel part of the team and learn new things every day.” 

The program has provided a safe space where young people have been able to grow and feel protected, while also fostering new forms of community participation, strengthening the social fabric of the neighbourhood. 

The “Dinem Junts!” program continues to reach more young people and transform lives. In the 2024/25 school year, which begins this October, more than 470 young people will participate in 16 groups across 12 municipalities. In the words of Anna Veiga, director of the Probitas Foundation, “This year, we want to enhance the exchange of experiences and knowledge transfer among the different groups. This will undoubtedly be a new enriching element and will strengthen the network generated by our project.