Students Diaries Platform
The diary of Bell-Lloc
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June 14 – Volunteer Day
Last Friday, June 14, Bell-lloc experienced an exceptional day, the School Volunteer Day, where the results of the Volunteers from School project were presented and we were able to share with schools and entities the learnings we have made in the two years that the project has lasted.
The day began with a few words of welcome from the councilor for culture of the Girona City Council, Queralt Vila, and the director of Bell-lloc, Ramon Homs. Afterwards, students from Bell-lloc, Les Alzines and the Vilagran school shared their volunteering initiatives.
Txema Simon explained the modules and teaching guides that can be found on the website volunteersfromschool.eu and a group of students from Bell-lloc showed the Student Diaries, a platform from which students can share their volunteering experiences.
To finish, we had a very interesting round table with representatives from organizations such as Astrid, the Girona Food Bank, Caritas Girona, the Cancer Association and teachers from Les Alzines, Vilagran and Bell-lloc.
BELL-LLOC VOLUNTEERING INITIATIVES
17/11/2023 – Volunteering at Fundació Els Joncs
On the 17th of November, the halls of Fundació Els Joncs were filled not only with the usual hustle and bustle but with the spirit of volunteerism, as we gathered for a day of heartwarming experiences. This significant date marked a day where we were united for a meaningful volunteering activity, creating lasting memories in the process.
The day kicked off with an engaging hour of group activities, setting the stage for a day filled with laughter, shared experiences, and newfound connections. As the morning unfolded, we dined on a delightful breakfast, an opportunity for us to connect with our peers from both Bell-lloc and Joncs, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the day.
Volunteering took center stage as we actively participated in a variety of activities designed to engage and uplift. From collaborative cooking adventures to woodworking workshops and creative crafting sessions, each moment was not just about learning but also about creating an inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Fundació Els Joncs, a school dedicated to individuals with intellectual disabilities, provided the perfect backdrop for this volunteering endeavor. Our genuine enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact were evident in every interaction, demonstrating the power of education beyond traditional boundaries.
Captured in the vibrant photos accompanying this article are snapshots of joy, focus, and genuine camaraderie, showcasing the beauty of inclusive volunteering. The images tell a story of a day well spent, where differences were celebrated, connections were formed, and the true essence of volunteering shone through.
As the day concluded, a sense of accomplishment and unity lingered among us. The memories created on this special November day at Fundació Els Joncs transcend the ordinary; they embody the transformative power of volunteering, collaborative learning, and the beauty of fostering connections that go beyond the classroom.
November 17th marked a remarkable day at Fundació Els Joncs, where 1st ESO students engaged in a heartwarming volunteering activity. Through a blend of collaborative learning, laughter, and inclusive initiatives, students from Bell-lloc and Joncs bridged gaps, creating enduring bonds. The day, captured in vibrant photos, epitomizes the transformative power of volunteering, celebrating differences, fostering connections, and emphasizing the beauty of inclusive education. Beyond the ordinary, this day was a canvas painted with the colors of shared experiences, leaving indelible imprints of joy and unity.
17/10/2023 – Cleaning bird nests on Pond of Sils
On the 17th October 2023 our Erasmus team went to a volunteering activity on Pond of Sils with the non-profit association Emys Foundation.
So our main purpose was to help the association clean the bird’s nests.
The activity consists on an examination of the birds nests. We met in the Pond of Sils with some members of the association and they explained to us what we would do and showed us the material that we would use. After a lot of research, when we found a nest, we needed to wait for ten minutes to check if there was any movement of the birds in the nests or not. If there was not any, we had to take the nests down from the tree by a long pole. After that we emptied them from the things that were inside.
We found feathers and some broken eggs, so we put them in a plastic bag, so that way the association could examine them. Then we cleaned with a natural disinfectant the boxes. Finally we raised them again on the tree. During all the activity we reported some information on a reference paper about the condition, the position (latitude and longitude) and the code of the nest to recognize it.
We think that the activity had advantages and disadvantages like it usually happens.
The activity was a great opportunity for us, but we wish it had more energy, so that way we could be more active.
On one hand, it was funny because we were doing something that helped endangered species and different kinds of birds to have a better and cleaner place to live in. But, on the other hand, the activity was a little bit difficult. We had a lot of difficulties, because we were under the sun for hours!
The activity was teamwork, so we had a great time cooperating with each other. Our group had fun with the research of birds in the wooden boxes and watching if there were any birds in them.
Overall, it was a very fun and a great learning experience, despite a few times where fortune was certainly unfavourable to us, though it all ended up paying off with the last nestbox. The teamwork and cooperation were delightful, which means the time passed very quickly.
12/12/2023 – Germanetes pels pobres (Supporting the eldery)
The Bell-lloc school has been collaborating for some years with “Germanetes dels Pobres”, a residence for elderly people who need special support. The goal of this activity is to spend time with older people and learn new things, which can help us see the world from a fresh perspective.
Every week, on a designated school day, three pupils, accompanied by a teacher, visit the nursing home in the morning to help the workers with the care and attention of the residents and to entertain them a little. The reason for limiting the number to three pupils is to avoid overcrowding and to minimise stress for the residents, and so that they have the attention of the pupils throughout the year.
Those who attend this activity initially talk to a resident about various topics in their lives and see the different points of view of each one. After a while, when it is their lunch break, we proceed to serve the food so that the patients are at ease. When they have finished eating, we can return to school to continue with our respective classes.
This activity is very important as it provides learning opportunities that will be useful for the future, like seeing some things that maybe will change the point of view of our lives. I recommend that other companies and schools collaborate in these solidarity activities because I’m confident that the residents will appreciate these efforts, leading to a sense of fulfilment.
20/12/2024 Banc dels aliments (Food donation)
A group of students from Bell-lloc school participated in the “Gran Recapte” campaign organized by the NGO Banc d’Aliments. This initiative aims to collect food donations from citizens at supermarkets to support individuals in need identified by social services. The students volunteered at a local supermarket, dividing into two groups to cover more of the day. They wore event bibs and explained their purpose to shoppers, collecting donated food items for several hours. As one group finished, they briefed the incoming volunteers. The experience was fulfilling, as they dedicated time and effort to help others without expecting anything in return. The student recommends participating in such solidarity activities, finding them rewarding and pride-inducing.
15/02/2024 – Xocolata Solidària (solidarity hot chocolate)
Good morning, everyone,
Today, I have the honor of sharing with you a noble initiative that we have carried out at our beloved school. It’s the 6th Solidarity Hot Chocolate Event, an activity that brought together all primary school students and high school volunteers in a gesture of support for the fight against childhood cancer.
What did this beautiful action entail? On February 15th, coinciding with International Childhood Cancer Day, we organized a hot chocolate event in collaboration with the AMPA (Parents’ Association) and with the support of the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona. Our goal was to raise funds for research and improvement of treatments for this disease that affects our little ones.
Participation was voluntary, but we encouraged all students to make a contribution of at least 5€. We had two options for donating:
Handing the money to their class teacher: Many of us directly gave our contributions to the assigned teacher.
Donating directly to the AMPA: Some parents and students preferred to contribute directly to the AMPA.
And the best part: there was chocolate for everyone! Imagine the joy on the children’s faces as they enjoyed a warm cup of chocolate, knowing they were contributing to such an important cause.
Every euro we raised was sent in full to the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona, where they care for and treat the little warriors fighting against cancer.
In moments like these, we realize that solidarity knows no borders. Even though we are in different countries, we can all come together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you for your support and commitment. Together, we can make a difference.
Joncs (Reeds)
The Fundació Els Joncs, located in Sarrià de Ter, is a non-profit Special Education Center whose main purpose is the search for the full labor and social insertion of boys and girls with intellectual disabilities, with a special concern to give continuity to boys and girls who finish the schooling period.
This year the AMPA (parents association) of the school has collaborated with the money that has been collected at the Solidarity Paddle Tennis Tournament of this year, and the students of 1st ESO have collaborated especially with the tasks of maintaining the school.
especially with the tasks of maintenance, kitchen, cleaning, exercises, among others.
During one of the trimesters of the 1st ESO STEAM (Technology) course, the students worked on the SOLIDARIA project. The objective is to learn the process of manufacturing different simple objects with a solidarity purpose. On the day of the musical it is put on sale at the charity shop, and the profits will be donated to the Fundació Els Joncs.
In order for the students to get to know the work of the Foundation better and learn more about it day by day, we have foreseen that the students of 1st ESO B will make a morning visit on February 23rd to the headquarters of the Joncs Foundation, in Sarrià de Ter.
Volunteering in Cameroon: Building a Better Future
Good morning everyone,
Today I would like to share with you an inspiring experience: volunteering in Cameroon. This African country, with its rich diversity of landscapes and cultures, offers a unique opportunity for those who want to make a difference.
What is volunteering in Cameroon?
It is a programme that allows people from all over the world to contribute to meaningful projects in areas such as education, conservation and health care.
Our focus is on building a school for local children.
How does it work?
Volunteers raise funds for their trip and immerse themselves in the local community.
In the mornings, they work on building the school, erecting walls, painting classrooms and creating a safe space for learning.
In the afternoons, they interact with the children, teach English and share unforgettable moments.
Why is it important?
Education is the foundation for a better future. By building this school, we are providing opportunities for children who otherwise would not have access to quality education.
In addition, by living and working alongside the local community, we learn about their traditions, challenges and hopes.
What impact can we make?
We are not just building a building, we are building lasting relationships.
We are sowing seeds of change and empowering future generations.
In short, volunteering in Cameroon is not just about bricks and mortar, but about building a future full of possibilities. Thank your for listening and considering joining this noble cause!
Thanks to everyone for their presence there, and it is hoped that this project has been the beginning of a lasting collaboration.
Astrid 21 (Empowering Individuals: Astrid 21’s Disability Support)
During this course, the students have dedicated themselves to community service, offering their time and effort to organize and lead various physical education activities for the students of the foundation. This experience has not only given the students the opportunity to delve into the world of volunteering, but also to experience the satisfaction of giving without expecting anything in return. Through this project, the aim has been to promote in them the spirit of community service, instilling values of solidarity and empathy.
The presence of Mr. Juli de Castro, project coordinator, has been crucial in ensuring that each activity is carried out efficiently and meaningfully. Additionally, Mrs. Pilar Albareda, director of the Astrid 21 Foundation, has been a key figure in the realization of this collaboration.
It is hoped that this initiative has not only benefited the students of the Astrid 21 Foundation, but also the students themselves. By being involved in community service, the young people will have developed leadership, teamwork, and empathy skills, which will be valuable in their personal and academic growth.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project number: 2022-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000087095
