Oviedo Opens Doors to Africa

45 children aged between nine and 12 from the Western Sahara have been welcomed to Oviedo as they partake in the ‘Holidays for Peace’ project set up by the Asturian Association of Solidarity with the Sahrawi People. 

200 families all over Asturias are taking part in this society that gives young West African children the opportunity to leave their sizzling hot countries for a slightly cooler summer in Spain, trading in 60 degree heat for a pleasant 30 degrees. 

The project began in the year 2000 and ever since then around 200 Sahrawi children have been visiting Asturias each summer to learn more about the culture with their host families. They also get the rare opportunity to visit qualified doctors and cool off in the famous Northern Spanish rain. 

The ‘Holidays in Peace’ initiative is run by Paula Bernardo who says she is happy that the children appear to gain confidence during the months that they are in Spain as they learn more and more and get settled in. After a shaky start for many, due in part to the exhaustion of a long journey, the youngsters benefit hugely from the experience according to Bernardo.