XICS Santa Coloma de Gramenet

XICS Santa Coloma de Gramenet

• Location and context
  The centre is located in a poor neighbourhood of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, a town where families native to the area have historically co-existed with immigrants, both from rural areas of Spain and from other countries. 19.5% of the population has immigrated mainly from the north of Africa and Asia. There is also a socially important local minority group of gypsies.
  
• Beneficiaries
  services of the town's City Council for several reasons, among which are the problems to adapt to a new culture and language, school absenteeism, learning difficulties, as well as dysfunctional family dynamics.
  
• Infrastructures and activities
  
  Thanks to weekly classes on study techniques a considerable improvement has been registered in those students following the programme. Furthermore, absenteeism has declined in the centres attended by those students involved in the programme.
  
  New training
  Those benefitting also have had access to the project Mans a l’Obra, which prepares them for secondary studies and/or professional training. Also, a new theatre workshop has been developed.
  
  Advances in family therapy
  During the season 22 families have received family therapy: 65 interviews and 170 contacts formed part of the programme which follows the development of those involved. Parents have been enthusiastic in their participation and there has been an improvement in family roles.
  
  The centre and the community
  The XICS centre has taken part, as an organisation in its own right, in various sporting and cultural events in the neighbourhood, reinforcing its role in the community in Santa Coloma. The team have initiated a series of continuing training courses that best suit the needs of those benefitting from the project.
  
• Co-executing entity
  EDUVIC
• Co-financing entity
  Obra Social La Caixa and Caixa Proinfància Programme - FEDAIA
• Collaborating entities
  City Council of Santa Coloma de Gramenet