Community, roots and mutual support in Barceloneta
Since last October, the SURT Foundation has been promoting the Dones per Dones community agent training program in Barceloneta , an initiative that centers the knowledge, experience, and strength of migrant women and local residents.
The project aims to train local women as community agents specializing in health, parenting, and education so they can support women and/or families who have recently arrived in the area as they settle in.
The training is grounded in a community-based and intercultural approach, recognizing the value of the participants’ own knowledge and equipping them with practical tools to support other families. Over the past few months, the women have developed cross-cutting skills such as communication, active listening, networking, conflict resolution, and understanding of rights—key elements for providing close, empathetic, and effective support.
Connection to the Community
During the training, participants visited various neighborhood facilities and services, which explained their functions, resources, and areas of focus. This direct contact provides firsthand insight into how to address the needs of newly arrived families—from access to healthcare and education to social and community support. In this way, the future community agents become a bridge between families and existing resources.
Once the training is complete, the project plans to present the family support plan, designed by the participating women themselves. This plan will be shared in various neighborhood venues, with the aim of informing the community about the new resource created through the Dones per Dones project and facilitating access for those who need it.
At the community level, Dones per Dones represents a clear commitment to strengthening and fostering intercultural participation in Barceloneta and contributes to a more humane and deeply rooted sense of welcome. It also places a strong emphasis on migrant women, recognizing them as active agents of change and social cohesion.
If you wish to join or connect with the Women for Women network, please write to: laia.albert@surt.org
