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Supporting inclusive child and youth development through education, culture, and sport in Girona Est

Grantee: Fundació Futur GironaEst
Location: Spain, Europe
Grant Cycle: 2025-2028
Type of Grant: three-year program support, Delegació a Catalunya,
Human Welfare & Rights
Website: gironaest.cat

Delegació
a Catalunya

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Fundació Futur GironaEst, established in 2019, is dedicated to fostering long-term social transformation in the Girona Est neighborhoods by expanding opportunities for children and young people. Guided by a 30- year strategic vision, the Fundació seeks to empower local communities through integrated educational, cultural, and sports initiatives, reflecting a sustained commitment to inclusive development. Since its inception, it has consolidated a locally rooted and sustainable model through programmes such as Esport a l’Est (Sport in the East), Cultura a l’Est (Culture in the East), and Educació a l’Est (Education in the East), which promote personal development, community cohesion, and equal access to opportunities.

In 2023, Fundació Futur GironaEst strengthened its presence with the creation of Casa de les Arts, a community hub designed as an open and inclusive space for artistic, cultural, and social activities. Beyond hosting workshops, performances, and gatherings, it functions as a bridging platform between Girona Est and the wider city, fostering dialogue, connection, and a shared sense of belonging.

Girona Est comprises five neighborhoods in the eastern part of the city, within a densely populated area of approximately 1.5 km² and home to more than 4,600 residents. The area faces significant socio-economic challenges, including the city’s highest levels of child poverty, school dropout, and unemployment. A substantial proportion of families are of Roma origin, with whom Fundació Futur GironaEst works closely. Building on the cultural traditions of the community, Fundació Futur GironaEst integrates music, dance, and theatre, alongside sport and academic support, as key tools to strengthen self-esteem, promote social inclusion, and enhance community cohesion and visibility. Currently, the Fundació supports more than 200 families through structured after-school and weekend programmes that foster positive routines, personal development, and a strong sense of identity among children and young people.

The Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation - Delegació a Catalunya (NaEPF) supports Fundació Futur GironaEst’s efforts in the eastern neighborhoods of Girona, contributing to the comprehensive development of children and youth while advancing its mission to promote inclusive development, youth empowerment, and community resilience in underserved areas. Through an integrated programme of non-formal education, combining academic support, sport, arts, and community engagement, the programme will directly benefit 296 children and young people and indirectly reach more than 200 families in Girona Est.

Activities are structured across three complementary areas: Esport a l’Est, which promotes health and social cohesion through sports and camps; Cultura a l’Est, which fosters creativity and cultural expression through music, theatre, and visual arts; and Educació a l’Est, which supports academic pathways through mentoring, scholarships, and an open classroom model aimed at reducing school dropout.

Grounded in a holistic, values-based methodology, the project integrates education, culture, and sport as interconnected drivers of social change, implemented in close collaboration with schools, families, and local stakeholders. Participation remains accessible through a symbolic annual fee, encouraging engagement without creating financial barriers. By 2028, the initiative aims to consolidate an inclusive and sustainable model that strengthens self-esteem, academic achievement, and social cohesion, while establishing Casa de les Arts as a key cultural and educational hub for the community.

In this context, Fundació Futur GironaEst acts as a catalyst for long-term, community-driven transformation. By investing in the potential of children and young people, the initiative contributes to building a more inclusive, resilient, and cohesive Girona Est, where future generations are empowered to thrive.