Kumpania and IKumpania close the 2024–2025 school year in La Coma with pride, recognition and community spirit

Kumpania and IKumpania closed the 2024–2025 school year with an emotional farewell event in La Coma, bringing together students, families and educators in a day that reflected the effort of a whole year and the community’s commitment.

Amid applause, dancing and shared smiles, the collective effort to keep learning and caring for one another in a context where opportunities are not always guaranteed was celebrated.

Children from Kumpania celebrating the end of the school year

In La Coma, Paterna, closing the school year is not just an annual event, but a collective moment to acknowledge everyday efforts that often go unnoticed. The closing celebration of the Kumpania and IKumpania programs marked the end of an intense year of socio-educational support, as well as the beginning of new challenges. What was experienced that day symbolized the trust gained, the bonds formed, and the momentum toward a childhood and adolescence with equal opportunities.

Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, the programs supported 54 children and adolescents from 34 families. Over the course of the year, the educational team provided ongoing support to help ensure school retention, prevent early dropout, and strengthen both academic and personal skills.

Teenagers from IKumpania during the closing event

Both programs are implemented in La Coma and combine academic support with a socio-educational, emotional and community-based approach. Since 2019, their ongoing presence has helped build trust with families and key local actors. More than just an educational intervention, it represents a commitment to dignity and opportunity in a context marked by structural exclusion.

An event to celebrate academic progress, greater family involvement and local partnerships

The end-of-year event took place at the La Coma Social Centre and brought together more than 50 people, including students, family members, educators and neighbors. The celebration included the symbolic awarding of diplomas to those who advanced in school and, especially, to those who completed a stage, such as earning their lower secondary school certificate.

Various performances were held where each group showcased their talents in singing, dancing or comedy. There were also emotional speeches from the educational team, who recalled key moments from the year and offered words of recognition to each participant. Families’ involvement throughout the process was also acknowledged.

The educational team shares words of recognition and closure

This school year had a positive impact on students, families and the wider community. Academically, school performance improved and students became more engaged in their work. Families became more actively involved in the workshops and showed greater interest throughout the year. At the community level, activities such as the Children’s Day, the alternative fallas celebration and the sports day saw increased involvement from other local organizations, which enhanced the activities’ value and the overall enjoyment.

This year was especially significant due to the strengthening of local partnerships. Alongside other community organizations, the programs contributed to transforming several local schools into Learning Communities, including collaboration on playground improvements at CEIP Antonio Ferrandis, based on proposals from families themselves. The programs also supported local advocacy efforts to improve pediatric services at the neighborhood health center and took part in joint actions such as the International Day of NGOs.

The educational team behind Kumpania and Impulsa Kumpania works daily to ensure that participation in these spaces is a positive experience and a real opportunity for the future. They view the year’s outcomes very positively, which motivates them to keep improving. New lines of work are already being prepared for the upcoming school year, with the same goal in mind: to ensure that no child is left behind.

A year of support ending with emotion and strong bonds

Kumpania and IKumpania are socio-educational programs aimed at Roma children and youth in the La Coma neighborhood (Paterna). They focus on family support, academic reinforcement and personal development through educational leisure activities. The programs are managed by Jovesólides, with funding from the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the First Vice-Presidency and Regional Ministry of Social Services, Equality and Housing of the Generalitat Valenciana

Follow current updates on social media via the hashtags #Kumpania and #IKumpania