On 9 October, we had the pleasure of visiting two centres of YMCA Spain in Zaragoza.
They provide a wide range of services and programmes supporting the most vulnerable communities, especially young people.
Together with International Protection Programme Coordinator Raúl Lostal, we explored the centre dedicated to the International Protection Programme, learning how the team welcomes and supports newcomers as they start building their lives in Zaragoza.
Later, YMCA Spain‘s Secretary General Pedro Fueyo guided us through their other facilities, where we saw first-hand the spaces, people, and energy behind their programmes for vulnerable groups.
For YMCA Europe, these visits are more than formal meetings – they are opportunities to witness the grassroots impact of our national movements. Seeing the dedication of teams like YMCA Spain helps us connect our broader European mission with the local realities that bring it to life.
YMCA Spain is an active partner in several European initiatives that reflect its strong commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion. Through our Digital Equity and Skilling Programme, powered by HP Inc., they work to reduce digital inequality and promote digital wellbeing among young people.
They also take part in capacity-building initiatives such as the Leadership Academy, which develops young leaders’ skills for civic participation, and the European Youth Representative Network (EYRN), uniting changemakers across Europe to promote community engagement and evidence-based advocacy.
Additionally, YMCA Spain contributes to European project proposals like the most recent one for EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), focused on improving young migrants’ employability through digital, social, and professional skills.
Their leadership in camping programmes also stands out — particularly as hosts of the 2024 Campacity Conference, as part of Camp Europe, a pan-European initiative supporting war-affected youth and families.
Across all these efforts, YMCA Spain’s dedication to youth employability, training, and inclusion mirrors YMCA Europe’s mission — to nurture an active, engaged, and empowered generation shaping a more inclusive future.
Our visit was a valuable opportunity to see their impact firsthand and to strengthen our collaboration. We look forward to continuing this partnership, learning from their experience, and working together to empower young people across Europe.
