The school support program for Roma students in Benidorm has reached over ten students in its first month

In just a month and a half, the educational support and mentoring program for Roma students in Benidorm has already enrolled over ten students, according to data released today by the Councillor for Social Welfare, Ángela Zaragozí, coinciding with the celebration of International Roma Day. This data was provided by the Maranatha Federation of Roma Associations, which the First Vice Presidency and Ministry of Social Services have entrusted with implementing the program in the Valencian Community.

Zaragozí explained that “specifically, 13 students, from preschool to sixth grade, are receiving educational support four times a week, from Monday to Thursday; a significant number, according to Maranatha, especially considering that the program has only just begun.” The councilwoman explained that “during the morning, students receive these educational support sessions at their own schools, while in the afternoon, classes are held at the La Torreta and José Llorca Linares community centers.”

As Zaragozí clarified, “ Benidorm City Council’s collaboration with Sarsalé program consists primarily of providing spaces and classrooms.”

The councilwoman emphasised that this program “is in its initial phase, and the intention is to expand it further to achieve new milestones in inclusion and diversity.” She added, “Maranatha has indicated that the intention is to involve families in this program, promoting recreational and sporting activities in which they can participate alongside the students.”

Zaragozí stressed that “Sarsalé is not the first program that Benidorm City Council has participated in or promoted, focused on the Roma population, always seeking to foster inclusion.” Precisely to promote inclusion and break down myths and stereotypes, a photographic exhibition featuring prominent figures of Roma descent who have excelled in fields such as culture, film, art, and politics, such as Charles Chaplin and Elvis Presley, is on display starting today at Benidorm's community centres and the Mediation Centre. The exhibition can be visited from today, coinciding with International Roma Day, an event whose celebration has been joined by the Benidorm City Council, headed by Mayor Toni Pérez.