Valencia Day 15: No child left behind

Anne Frank said “No one has ever become poor by giving.” This lesson was crystallized for our group today as we visited the Foundation Incintiava Social, a social support program targeted to young children who are at risk of being left behind. Programs focus on teaching kids how to perform well as students, how to develop social skills and emotional intelligence, and how to be happy. Because kids are not independent, most programs also include the family to ensure that the support and improvements are long lasting. This amazing program is supported by a combination of government, funds and private donations. Similar to other social programs we’ve visited, much of the work is done by volunteers who give their time for a variety of reasons. 

Our instructor asked us to write (in Spanish) the reason we might volunteer. Most said to support the community. 

We learned most people volunteer to serve and support the community as a form of solidarity. But there’s good evidence that volunteering also positively impacts the volunteer themselves. Volunteers experience, personal growth, improved, self-confidence, and even reduced depression. In fact, it’s common for healthcare providers to refer patients to volunteer as part of their treatment for depression! This is unheard of in the U.S. This is the type of innovative therapy that can exist when doctors are not working within a healthcare system that requires them to bill for their time. 

The mission of this program falls directly in line with the overwhelmingly, giving culture of observed in Spain these past two weeks. Solidarity, caring for others, providing hope, ensuring no one is left behind. These are widely held values in the Spanish culture. This was a great warming way to start the day. 

After our visit, I joined a group of faculty from the Valencia University who invited me to lunch. We had a nice conversation and enjoyed some wonderful seafood paella filled with shrimp, calamari, and squid. Squid is very common here so many dishes include black squid ink (very salty) as an ingredient. Black rice for example. I’m not sure I’m a fan but I get it. 

Once vacation homes, the buildings that line this beach are now restaurants that offer locally sourced dishes. 

The second half of the day spent at the beach. It was a windy day, which is uncommon, but still very enjoyable. Today’s lesson is on beach culture. For adults, tops are apparently optional. For children under the age of four, there are no rules.  Naked babies and toddlers are the norm. 

Better than a sound machine.