The Osuna Town Council has presented the XXIV Volunteering Camp 'Leisure and Free Time' for people with functional diversity, an initiative that will take place over fifteen days and has been described as one of the most established in social inclusion in the province.
The Casa de la Cultura in Osuna hosted the presentation of the XXIV Volunteering Camp 'Leisure and Free Time for people with functional diversity' this Thursday, a project that kicks off after months of intense work and once again brings together users, volunteers, and entities around social inclusion. The municipal delegate for Social Welfare and Youth, Mª Carmen Berraquero, was responsible for sharing the details, accompanied by the delegate for Attention to People with Functional Diversity, Ana Lebrón; the camp director, Isidoro Pérez; the director of the Nuevo Reto Occupational Centre, Mª José Jaldón; the president of the MIMO Association, Francisco Jiménez; and the psychologist from the Hermano Francisco Residence, Antonio Manuel García.
An edition that overcomes obstacles
Berraquero acknowledged that the organisation of this edition has been particularly complicated, as the team has been working since last December. “We have finally managed to make this project a reality again, for the benefit of all the people who benefit from it and their families,” she stated. The 24th edition will allow participants to enjoy a unique experience of inclusive coexistence and leisure for fifteen days.
The delegate thanked the involvement of the volunteers, highlighting that several of them have repeated the experience, which, she said, “demonstrates the quality of the project.” She also emphasised the human value of coexistence: “We work with the healthiest people, because, in a world surrounded by prejudices, all they exude is love.” Berraquero assured that the volunteers “will not only grow in experience but also personally thanks to the affection they will receive.”
Municipal commitment and generational change
The delegate reiterated the Town Council's commitment to the continuity of this initiative, stating that “we will always put all our efforts into making this camp succeed.” She announced that they are already working for the next edition, which will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Volunteering Camp. For her part, Ana Lebrón welcomed the participants and described the project as “one of the most beautiful and interesting we have,” noting that users look forward to this activity all year round.
The camp director, Isidoro Pérez, highlighted the essential nature of the initiative: “After everything that has happened in recent months, this volunteering camp had to happen, no matter what.” He thanked the patience and involvement of the volunteers, who boosted participation and overcame administrative difficulties. Pérez emphasised the importance of generational change to ensure continuity and assured that this year's group has arrived “with a lot of empathy, involvement, and a desire to have fun.”
A network of collaboration
The director of the Nuevo Reto Occupational Centre, Mª José Jaldón, recalled that both the centre and the camp have shared a history, describing them as “veteran projects.” She directed a message to the users to enjoy and be aware of “all the people around you working for and with you.” The president of the MIMO Association, Francisco Jiménez, indicated that most participants belong to the entity and that this activity is what they look forward to all year.
The Osuna Volunteering Camp thus consolidates itself as one of the longest-standing social inclusion initiatives in the province, with a stable participation of volunteers and the support of multiple entities. Users and volunteers will share leisure activities, workshops, and coexistence over the next two weeks, in an environment that, according to the organisers, is marked by love and solidarity.
