We continue “Construyéndo[nos]”: Cross-Cultural exchange and Institutional Growth at DPC

At DPC, we understand transculturality as the coexistence of diversity — embracing both what feels familiar and what we find different in others. With this spirit, we continue to promote our “Construyéndo[nos]” initiative: monthly gatherings where migrants and members of the host community come together to foster DIALOGUE and strengthen support networks.

About two years ago, at the initiative of participants from our Starfish Program, we began meeting informally over breakfast, stepping outside the formal settings of our usual support processes. We wanted to create a relaxed, welcoming space where both migrants and non-migrants could freely join and talk about all kinds of topics.

The first “Construyéndo[nos]” meetings began among familiar faces, but soon new people started joining — invited by friends or simply drawn by curiosity. It has been wonderful to see the group grow and diversify. These gatherings offer an opportunity for those in the process of social inclusion to get to know DPC and the ways we can collaborate and support one another.

Building Support Networks

Support networks are a cornerstone for migrants arriving in Spain in search of a new beginning. They offer not only a welcoming environment but also a sense of safety, connection, and confidence in the face of uncertainty. Having someone to listen, guide, or simply accompany you can make all the difference between feeling alone and beginning to belong.

Along this journey, support is needed in many forms: access to decent housing, education and training opportunities, stable employment, and — perhaps most importantly — emotional support. It’s about feeling that you are part of a community!

Over breakfast, people often share their life plans, challenges, and needs — and if someone in the group can offer help, they do. The best part is that collaboration flows both ways! Migrants can also contribute to supporting members of the host community who may need help with something.

“Participating in the breakfasts has brought me wonderful friendships. I’ve learned about new cultures and made amazing friends. We share ideas, knowledge, opinions, emotional support, meaningful conversations, and, of course, breakfast together.” — Fátima (participant of the Starfish Program)

How does this strengthen DPC as an association?

Since “Construyéndo[nos]” began, DPC has gained a lot:

• A deeper understanding of the migrant community’s reality, which helps us shape our programs more strategically and authentically.
• Closer connections between our collaborators (time donors) and the people supported by DPC. Sparking motivation and even new initiatives!
• An open space for financial donors to directly experience the impact of the cause they support.
• And above all, WE GROW AS PEOPLE in empathy, in solidarity, and in our shared humanity.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know people — to learn more about how things are going for them, their concerns, their work stories, and the challenges they face. It encourages us to think about simple ways to help (like assisting with résumés to make job searching easier), which strengthens bonds and builds trust. What I loved most was seeing how the friendly, lively atmosphere developed — not just among friends but across the whole group. As breakfast went on, the initial shyness faded, and the space became warm, engaging, and full of great conversation.” — Rosa (volunteer)

Our collaborator Rosa also highlights how activities like this help break down prejudices toward the migrant community: especially when we open these initiatives to people outside DPC, so more individuals can meet the protagonists of our projects firsthand.

It’s incredible how much we can learn from one another when we’re open to DIALOGUE. In just one conversation, we can discover entire worlds of culture, perspective, and experience. Thank you to everyone who joins us each month!

Would you like to have breakfast with us? Get in touch to find out the dates of our next gatherings: https://dialogosparaconstruir.org/en/contact/