The mayor of Osuna, Rosario Andújar, has visited the XXIV Volunteering Camp 'Leisure and Free Time' for people with functional diversity, which is taking place at the Nuevo Reto Occupational Centre until July 27.
The initiative, now in its 24th year, offers a programme of coexistence, leisure and inclusion for users from local residences over a period of fifteen days, while also providing respite for their families. The mayor highlighted the commitment of the volunteers and the Town Hall to ensure its continuity.
A visit to the heart of the camp
Rosario Andújar, accompanied by the first deputy mayor, Brígida Pachón, and the delegates for Social Welfare and Youth, Mª Carmen Berraquero, and for Attention to People with Functional Diversity, Ana Lebrón, toured the facilities of the Nuevo Reto Occupational Centre, the epicentre of the activities. There, she spent the day with participants and the volunteer team, gaining first-hand insight into the development of the project.
The camp, which runs until July 27, brings together people with functional diversity from various residences in Osuna. During these two weeks, users enjoy a wide range of leisure, coexistence and participation activities, while their families find a much-needed time for rest.
A respite for families and a municipal commitment
The mayor emphasised that this camp represents “a much-anticipated holiday for its users, who have the same right as anyone else to enjoy leisure, coexistence and rest.” Andújar reminded that the Nuevo Reto Occupational Centre is a reference space throughout the year, and that during these days it becomes the epicentre of an initiative that has now reached its twenty-fourth edition.
“This project represents a true celebration for both those who participate directly in it and for their families, who find during these two weeks a necessary time of peace and rest thanks to the trust they place in the volunteers and the Town Hall of Osuna,” the mayor stated.
Andújar thanked the commitment of the volunteers, whose dedication and support make the celebration possible year after year. She also highlighted the work of collaborating entities and the efforts of the Town Hall to ensure the camp's continuity.
Overcoming organisational difficulties
The mayor recalled the organisational difficulties of this edition due to the current management system of the volunteering camps promoted by the Junta de Andalucía, which requires their allocation through specialised companies. This complicated the recruitment of a sufficient number of volunteers. Despite this, the Town Hall of Osuna maintained numerous negotiations with the Junta to ensure the camp could take place.
On previous occasions, the Town Hall itself directly took on the organisation of the project to prevent it from being cancelled. Andújar reaffirmed the municipal commitment to an initiative that, after 24 years of history, “has earned respect and prestige” and finds in Osuna the ideal place due to the important network of resources for people with functional diversity available in the locality.
Theatre and closure as a final touch
During the visit, the mayor was able to witness the rehearsal of the play that will be performed next Thursday, as well as the workshop where users and volunteers work with enthusiasm. The theatrical performance will provide a fitting conclusion to the camp during the closing event scheduled for the same day, reflecting the enthusiasm, abilities and involvement of all participants.
The Town Hall of Osuna makes a significant contribution to the project, providing the University Residence for the accommodation of volunteers and covering costs related to the scheduled activities, such as the use of municipal facilities, visits, leisure activities, the swimming pool or organised outings.
Andújar concluded by reiterating that the Town Hall will continue to support this volunteering camp because “it constitutes a fully consolidated initiative that promotes inclusion, well-being and social participation for people with functional diversity, while also offering essential support to their families.” “Everything is worth it when it comes to attending to people with specific needs,” she concluded.
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