As part of her KEHS Travel Scholarship, Upper Sixth pupil Laila recently travelled to Barcelona to meet with specialists dedicated to humanitarian aid and learn about the lives of women and children in conflict zones. In this article, we share some of Laila’s highlights from her time in Spain.
A pivotal moment of my trip was meeting a representative at the World Trade Center (WTC) Almeda Park where I had the opportunity to engage with someone actively involved in humanitarian work. The representative shared first hand accounts of harrowing stories of women and children displaced by conflict such as armed conflicts, natural disasters and political stability, detailing their struggles for safety, lack of access to healthcare and educational opportunity. She described the WTC’s initiatives aimed at providing direct support and resources to the vulnerable affected; discussing the tailored support that is required for women and children, which reinforced my understanding that advocacy must extend beyond awareness so that immediate action can be taken.
My experience attending a lecture by Professor Dr. Carreras titled: “How History Portrays Migration During Wartime of Women and Children” at the University of Barcelona was equally enlightening. She concluded with a lasting message that the narrative should be shifted from victimhood to empowerment which highlights the strength of women who, despite their circumstance, play a crucial role in their community. The lecture taught me the significance of changing perspective to acknowledge their capabilities so that we can aim to create a sense of hope for those affected by conflict.
I visited an exhibition at the Palau de Congressos Catalana which gave an insight into the displacement of communities. The exhibition combined powerful visual art with primary resources to capture the emotional toll of conflict on citizens. These stories brought to life the statistics surrounding displacement, reminding me of the human experiences behind the numbers.
I was also able to explore the rich culture of the city from the iconic Sagrada Familia, Montjuic Castle, Las Ramblas and the old town gothic quarter. Overall the trip has been valuable in shaping my understanding of the complex work that goes into providing aid for those affected by conflict. The experience has not only reinforced my dedication to advocating for human rights but also allowed me to foster unique skills from travelling independently. The experience gained from this trip has been extremely enriching and I would definitely encourage other students to participate in this scholarship in the future!
