This is a voluntary program promoted by the Generalitat to encourage the social and labor integration of foreign citizens residing in the Valencian Community
Eighteen people receive their diplomas after participating in Family Foster Care School
Eighteen people received their diplomas this Thursday after participating in the Welcome School offered during September by Benidorm City Council, as part of a voluntary program promoted by the Valencian Regional Government to facilitate the social and professional integration of citizens from other countries residing in the Valencian Community. This service, established under Law 15/2008 of December 5, on the Integration of Immigrants in the Valencian Community, allows foreigners to receive basic training on the values and rules of democratic coexistence in our society, their rights and responsibilities, the political and cultural structure, and the official languages of the Valencian Community, enabling them to better understand the environment in which they live and strengthen ties with the local community.
The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, and the councillor for Social Welfare, Ángela Zaragozí, participated in the diploma ceremony for the participants in this edition of the Welcome School. These diplomas "recognise their integration efforts" after completing the Voluntary Program for Understanding Valencian Society, a requirement for applying for residency after two years of residence in Spain. A total of 18 students participated—12 women and six men—from six different countries: Algeria, Morocco, Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Peru.
During the ceremony, the mayor publicly congratulated all the participants for their efforts in obtaining this accreditation and inquired about the personal circumstances of each participant and their families. For example, she wanted to know if they have young children and which local schools they attend, citing public schools as an example of “a space that fosters the integration and inclusion of children, regardless of their background or abilities.”
Councilwoman Ángela Zaragozí announced that the Department of Social Welfare will begin offering new sessions of this Welcome School program in 2026. Those interested in participating can obtain information about the program by visiting the Jelena Social Centre, located at 11 Olivos Street, or by calling the centre at 965860226.
