“Despierta Sonrisas”, a project fostering the educational and social development of 600 vulnerable children and young people in Alicante and Murcia thanks to the support of Fundación Iberdrola España
- Esta colaboración surge en el marco del Programa Social- Futuro con Energía de la Fundación Iberdrola España, que cada año abre su convocatoria para apoyar a colectivos en riesgo de exclusión social o en situación de vulnerabilidad.
- La Fundación Despierta Sonrisas apoya a niños, adolescentes y familias mediante programas educativos, acompañamiento psicosocial y actividades de ocio y tiempo libre en diversas zonas de Alicante y Murcia.
This morning, Joaquín Lleó, Director of the Alicante-based organisation, welcomed Julia Cuevas, from Fundación Iberdrola España’s Social Action team to CEIP Mora Puchol school in the Babel neighbourhood, where she was able to see first-hand the progress of the Despierta Sonrisas project.
The initiative aims to promote the educational, emotional and social development of children and young people living in vulnerable circumstances in selected areas of Alicante and Murcia. It is a project that Fundación Despierta Sonrisas has been implementing for several years through Fundación Iberdrola España’s Social Programme – Future with Energy.
“Despierta Sonrisas reflects Fundación Iberdrola España’s commitment to children and education as key drivers of social transformation. Through this project, we are helping to break the cycle of social vulnerability affecting these young people and providing them with greater opportunities to develop their talents, strengthen their emotional wellbeing and improve their future prospects,” said Julia Cuevas.
To support the nearly 600 children and their families who participate in the programme, the organisation has developed a comprehensive socio-educational intervention combining academic support, emotional guidance, educational leisure activities and family engagement. This includes tutoring and educational workshops, emotional intelligence sessions under the Despierta Emociones programme, family schools and two summer schools, among other activities.
According to Joaquín Lleó, Director of Fundación Despierta Sonrisas y Familia, “behind every activity there is a child who begins to believe more in themselves and enjoy a childhood with greater opportunities, even in particularly challenging environments. When schools, public administrations, social organisations and committed companies work together, real opportunities for development and wellbeing are created. We are grateful for Fundación Iberdrola España’s continued commitment, as its support enables us to turn this collaboration into transformative impact with names, faces and stories of overcoming adversity.”
Throughout this year, the organisation expects 80% of participating children and young people to improve their academic performance, 90% to receive positive evaluations from tutors and educators, and to strengthen values such as respect, intercultural coexistence and self-esteem.
More than €12 million invested in social initiative
Through its Social Programme, Fundación Iberdrola España has invested more than €12 million in social initiatives across Spain and has supported a total of 414,546 people. Since the programme was launched in 2010, more than 500 projects have been delivered in partnership with over one hundred social organisations, helping to tackle child poverty, provide educational support and promote the social inclusion of vulnerable children, young people and women. The programme has also contributed to the creation of 1,830 jobs and involved 8,538 volunteers.
Fundación Iberdrola España also focuses its activities on scholarships in the fields of energy, biodiversity and the environment, support for research related to energy and climate change, and cultural initiatives aimed at preserving, restoring and maintaining the artistic and cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.
This collaboration forms part of Fundación Iberdrola España’s Social Programme – Future with Energy, which annually supports organisations working with people at risk of social exclusion or in situations of vulnerability.