Far from the usual hustle and bustle of this time of year, the Entrerríos Youth Hostel once again becomes a place of learning and leisure for young children. A total of 45 boys and girls are taking part this Holy Week in an experience that combines fun and environmental education.

During their stay, the children take part in outdoor activities such as animal care and gardening, where they learn first-hand the importance of respect for the environment and sustainability. This year’s theme says it all: ‘Guardians of the Earth’.

For Naya Alonso, this is her first time at the youth hostel. She says, “the experience is being really cool, to be honest. I’ve never seen animals like goats and donkeys so close up before; I’m loving everything”. Other participants, however, are returning to Entrerríos; some have been “as many as eight or ten times”. For Alba Fernández, this is her third holiday here. “I came once during ‘Semana Blanca’ and also in the summer, and I’ve always had a great time, which is why I wanted to come back”, she confessed.

José Pablo Bastilla told us about the start of the day: “We arrived between nine and half past nine and we’ve already started activities like meeting the animals and our own companions; we’ve done a workshop where we introduced ourselves one by one and took part in activities to get to know each other”. Furthermore, Daniel Agustín Aranda gave us a preview of the programme for the coming days: “They told us that on Wednesday we are going hiking, tomorrow we are going to put together a dance for a party, and today is a complete surprise”.

Educational and environmental values

The instructors highlight the educational value of these five days, which foster independence and camaraderie in a safe environment. One of them, Enrique Martín, noted that “throughout the week, they’ll join us in planting, watering, feeding the animals, grooming them and looking after them together because, it the end, the hostel belongs to everyone”.

But it’s not all work at the hostel; when night falls, it’s time to rest for those who wish to, because “nights here are also fun, we don’t all go to sleep early”, Alba told us with a laugh. 

 

On Monday, the first of their five-day stay in Entrerríos, the children received a visit from the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP), and the councillor for the Youth Hostel, Melisa Ceballos (PP), who accompanied the children on a tour of the facilities. Both highlighted the role of this centre as a space for education and community living. The mayoress emphasised that “we have 45 boys and girls, including children on the inclusion programme, who receive special careL; however, we also ensure they integrate naturally and can share everything with the other children in a setting as idyllic as this”. 

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