"Impelled by our charism and mission as Sacred Heart educators to vivify hope in this, our wounded world, we are called to be in solidarity with “people on the move.” That is, to be close to their reality and to offer them hospitable spaces where they can be accompanied, listened to, and equipped with the information and skills that will enable them to live more peaceful, productive lives. "
^{(Artisans of Hope, p.20)}

We share a testimony from Elena Guzmán rscj, who has been working with and helping the migrants in Santa Maria del Águila, Spain:

We live in the Province of Almeria, which is on the southern coast of Spain. The town where we live, Santa Maria del Águila, receives a very large number of immigrants from North Africa, a somewhat high percentage of whom from Morocco, and sub-Saharan Africa. The reason so many come is that Almeria has a huge expanse of "greenhouses" where vegetables are grown, which supply the markets of Europe. People from abroad find secure work in these greenhouses;  we can say that agriculture in the Almeria countryside is carried out by immigrants. Their work is paid below what would be fair, but, if anything, much more than they would earn in their home countries.

In addition, like the Spaniards, they enjoy free health and education, two very important things for them. Our student body is mostly male. They are also mostly young singles who live in groups, more and more of them reuniting with their families, even moving to Spain as a family. The most precarious situation for them all is housing. They often rent garages, which would fit one or two cars and live in groups of 6 to 8 singles or two or three families; sometimes they set up shacks next to the greenhouses where they work but are subject to evictions by the police. 97% of the immigrants practice Islam, only 3% are Christians.

OUR MISSION:

We are 4 religious sisters who live in a small town where 60% are immigrants. We have an office where they go for any type of administration, advice or information and 4 classrooms where, grouped by levels of knowledge, we teach Spanish two hours a week to each group.
 
My mission is to live in community with three companions, two RSCJ and one from another Congregation, "La Retraite", who wants to offer a short-term service to the immigrant population. My mission is also to give a warm welcome to the migrants and teach them Spanish.

WHAT GIVES ME HOPE?:

I am given hope by the seriousness with which the boys, after a day of hard work, come to Spanish class. It means that they understand that their goal is to integrate into the society in which they live.
 
WHAT EXCITES ME:

To contemplate / Witnessing the companionship between Moroccans and sub-Saharans, although their races and cultures are very different.  I am also moved to hear that it is in our center "BANTABA" that they feel most welcome and personally loved.

I also find it inspiring to be able to share our work with young Spanish volunteers.

Elena Guzmán rscj
Province of Spain