Caritas reinforces its commitment to children: prevention and psychosocial care for minors at risk
This week, Amparo Tierz, director of Cáritas Diocesana, and Silvia Ortín Ríos, financial director of RWE Generation SE, presented the collaboration agreement through which the RWE Foundation will contribute €230.000 to the "Prevention is Life" program. This program aims to prevent addictions and promote healthy lifestyle habits among minors at risk of social exclusion.
Child protection is one of the cornerstones of Caritas' work. In 2016, understanding that this protection goes beyond meeting basic needs, Caritas created a specific addiction prevention program and since then has provided individualized and family support, as well as workshops and sessions on prevention, in schools throughout the diocesan territory.
Last year a longitudinal study was piloted in 2 educational centers in the town of Barbastro, but now thanks to the support of the RWE foundation, for the next 3 years, the project can be carried out in a much more intensive and expanded way.
This program aims to promote healthy habits through early intervention, educational leisure activities, and psychosocial support. Strategic support is provided by RWE Renewables Iberia SAU, a German company with offices in Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza, one of the leading promoters and producers of renewable energy in Spain. Its foundation, which supports social projects in Germany, has decided to extend its commitment to Spain, beginning its support for this project by Cáritas Diocesana Barbastro Monzón.
“We are delighted to expand the reach of our social projects to Spain and collaborate with Cáritas on such a vital initiative as 'Prevention is Life',” stated Silvia Ortín Ríos. “With this contribution of 230.000 euros, we hope to contribute significantly to the well-being and development of children at risk.”
Blocks of the "Prevention is Life" Program
1. Longitudinal and impact study:
- Intervention in two educational centers, one as a control group and the other as an experimental group.
- The study will focus on students from 4th grade of primary school to 2nd year of secondary school, addressing topics such as addiction, social skills, and emotional management.
- Collaboration with UNED to offer support and training to families, strengthening the community network.
2. Prevention through leisure and free time:
- Promoting educational and healthy leisure through workshops, camps and sports and cultural activities aimed at children at risk of social exclusion.
3. Psychosocial care:
- Identification and individualized care of minors who present symptoms of substance abuse or problematic technological behaviors, with the creation of personalized plans to improve their well-being.
Caritas and the RWE Foundation believe that "Prevention is Life" will bring about a significant change in the lives of children, providing them with essential tools for healthy and holistic development. The initiative aims to be a lasting commitment, expanding to more schools and recreational spaces.
