A Bridge to Social Inclusion
Since its creation in 2006, the Rossinyol project of the University of Girona (UdG) has transformed the lives of over 2,000 young people by connecting university students with children and adolescents in situations of social vulnerability. This initiative not only aims to facilitate cultural integration but also to promote autonomy and the learning of the Catalan language among participants.
Each year, an increasing number of students enrol as mentors, willing to share their time and knowledge with those who need it most. In the current academic year, a total of 382 students have committed to being guides for minors in 20 municipalities in the province of Girona. This commitment reflects a positive trend towards social responsibility among university youth.
Will Gómez is one of the many examples of the positive impact this program has. After having benefited from the project during his childhood, he decided to become a mentor upon entering university. “The experience has been very enriching,” comments Will, who has taken his mentee to explore museums and enjoy recreational activities like bike rides.
Not only do the mentors benefit; the students also experience significant growth. Cristina Marcosian recalls how the program helped her overcome her language barriers when she was a child. Now, as a chemical engineer and mentor, she seeks to offer that same opportunity to others: “I want to help as I was helped,” she enthusiastically states.
As the stories intertwine, deep cultural connections also emerge. Manvir Kaur, who arrived from India without knowing Catalan, highlights how her participation in Rossinyol allowed her to open up socially and learn the language: “Now I can communicate with my friends in Catalan,” she proudly says.
The success of the project has led rector Josep Calbó to consider its expansion beyond Girona. The UdG has demonstrated that initiatives like Rossinyol not only benefit isolated individuals but also strengthen the entire social fabric by promoting valuable interpersonal skills for students' future careers.
As this educational cycle progresses, it is clear that each pair formed under this program represents a unique story of overcoming and inclusion. The legacy of the Rossinyol project continues to grow and leave indelible marks on both mentors and students.
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