The Youth Councillor of Albacete, Gala de la Calzada, has unveiled a project designed to recruit and train young volunteers who will assist in cultural activities organized by Cultural Albacete and the Centro Joven (Youth Center). This initiative aims to create pathways for active participation among the youth in the city.
Groups such as Voz Joven and Club Aventura, which regularly collaborate with the Youth Center, have expressed interest in this youth volunteer program. The goal is to bridge the gap between the young population of Albacete and the cultural offerings available in the city.
According to Councillor de la Calzada, the project seeks to form a team of volunteers and develop personal and social skills, while also involving these individuals in the development of cultural activities. This will reinforce a sense of community and belonging among the youth, both with the Youth Center and the city of Albacete.
The initiative aims to create a group of 50 young people aged between 12 and 30, ensuring balanced gender participation and prioritizing the inclusion of disadvantaged youth. Participants will be selected based on their motivation and commitment, with a focus on fostering skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy.
The training will be provided by the Municipal Volunteering Office and the Youth Center. Councillor de la Calzada emphasized that the project will be open to young people from all backgrounds, with inclusive activities tailored to various abilities and personal situations. The program will encourage participation from youth of diverse cultural origins to promote a rich and varied environment, always prioritizing the role of the young volunteers.
Volunteers will assist in community engagement and participation during cultural events aimed at youth, such as the Fiesta del Libro (Book Festival), Pasaje del Terror (Passage of Terror), Precampanadas (Pre-New Year’s Eve celebrations), festivals, and exhibitions. They will also help in facilitating spaces and workshops, encouraging active youth participation by inviting peers to get involved.
Collaboration with Cultural Albacete will include promoting youth-oriented shows through social media and community spaces, as well as creating content that shares experiences from attended events and gathers feedback from other attendees.
This project is set to commence in the 2026-2027 academic year, with the possibility of extension into subsequent academic years if evaluations prove favorable.
