Barcelona's Mayor, Jaume Collboni, officially welcomed 255 Ukrainian children and young people, aged 12 to 18, to the city this morning. The youths are in Catalonia as part of the third edition of the “255 Smiles for Ukraine” – Holidays for Peace programme, organised by the Convent de Santa Clara Foundation and led by Sister Lucía Caram.
Mayor Collboni, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Maria Eugènia Gay, hosted a reception for the group. He spoke against war, stating that “war is never the solution” and emphasising the need for “dialogue, understanding, and above all, respect for others.” He also criticised authoritarian leaders and highlighted the role of Europe and its cities in supporting Ukraine.
“Four years of war are many years of suffering,” Collboni said, expressing confidence that “in the end, we will achieve victory.” He pointed to the young people as the “hope for the future of a democratic and European Ukraine,” praising their courage and assuring them that “Barcelona will always be your home too.”
Offering Respite from Conflict
The primary goal of these holidays is to allow the children and young people to forget the war in Ukraine for a few days. Through leisure activities and community living, the initiative aims to provide participants, who have been affected by the conflict, with peace and stability. This allows them to enjoy themselves as children and adolescents should.
During their stay, the programme includes visits to popular attractions such as PortAventura, Barcelona's Sagrada Família, and the FC Barcelona Museum. These activities are designed to offer a break from the harsh realities they face at home.
Mayor Collboni thanked Sister Lucía Caram for her inspiring commitment. He also reaffirmed his intention to travel to Kyiv to observe the deployment of municipal missions on the ground and to convey the solidarity of all Barcelona residents.
Barcelona's Ongoing Support for Ukraine
This collaboration between Barcelona City Council and the Convent de Santa Clara Foundation is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine. In February, the city contributed seven electricity generators to the 'Caravan of Goodness' in Ukraine. Additionally, TMB, Barcelona's public transport operator, sent ten buses to the country to help ensure mobility for those affected by the conflict.
These buses help transport children and young people to educational centres, move injured individuals, and support public transport services in major Ukrainian cities. Barcelona has consistently shown its support for Ukrainian cities since the war began. This cooperation and solidarity have included four humanitarian convoys delivering essential materials, such as fire trucks and electrical generators, requested by Ukrainian cities as priorities.
Moving forward, the city council plans to continue its support, focusing on direct aid and fostering connections with Ukrainian communities. The ongoing programmes aim to provide both immediate relief and long-term solidarity.
