Braval: from dialogue to real integration

In 2005, Braval had already been working for seven years to improve the integration of young immigrants through sports, educational support and intercultural coexistence. Josep Masabeu, its president, wanted to go further: "We asked ourselves: 'What's happening in other entities? What's happening with the administration? What are the trends?" 

Thus, in search of a deep and practical understanding of the reality, 'Conversations on Immigration' were born, in the form of monthly lunches with people from different fields: journalists, businessmen, educators, civil servants... always with varied profiles to avoid unilateral visions: "The contrast of opinions and experiences is very enriching", emphasizes Josep.

20 years and 142 conversations later, Braval has created a network of connections that allows them to have direct and effective contact with entities that help solve concrete problems of young people. In addition, many people share experiences that work elsewhere. "Sometimes they even invite their leaders to the next meal, and in this way a network of mutual learning is generated," says Josep.

The impact has also been on the labor market. Through the conversations, opportunities have arisen to place young people in sectors in urgent need of personnel. And thanks to the trust generated, it is often the guests themselves who open doors to new collaborations.

The key: mix to integrate

Masabeu stresses cultural mixing as the key to integration: "If you don't mix, you are basically maintaining the ghetto".

At Braval, mixing is achieved especially through sports: "Our soccer and basketball teams are mixed. Because if you make a team of Filipinos against a team of Moroccans, or Ecuadorians against Spaniards, you haven't broken anything."

Through shared play, the children break down prejudices. Soccer and basketball are just the starting point. From there, Braval structures a series of supports: school reinforcement, weekly team meetings, personalized accompaniment... and training in values.

But the focus is clear: no "immigrant" activities. "We are not in a league for immigrants. We are in the normal Barcelona league, with 120 teams from all neighborhoods. That allows our kids to get out of the neighborhood and for others to come and learn about our reality."

In contrast to the stereotypical image of the passive or dependent immigrant, Masabeu stresses a very different reality: "They have a brutal fighting capacity, which the kids here don't have.

Interreligious dialogue based on Christian identity

One of the most striking dimensions of Braval is the natural coexistence between religions. The center has a Christian identity - it is an initiative of Opus Dei - and does not hide it.

"We have an oratory with the Blessed Sacrament, a priest comes once a week, and we offer catechesis to whoever wants it. But we have never had a problem with anyone," says Masabeu.

Living together is part of the daily experience. There are volunteers and participants from nine religions: Catholics, Evangelicals, Orthodox, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews and atheists. The result is a rich coexistence, where religion, far from dividing, unites through mutual respect.

"The kids ask a lot of questions. What party are you having today? Why are you eating this? Why aren't you eating that? If you invite me to your party, I come. And when it's mine, you come". At confirmations, for example, the kids invite their friends from the team - of any religion - and everyone participates with joy.

Love and transcendence

At bottom, Braval's success is not explained only by a good organization or an educational model. What makes the difference is something deeper: "What you are transmitting is love. And they notice that. Sometimes you have to tell them off, of course, but they feel welcome.

Because in the end, more than a strategy, Braval is a community of people who care about each other. From prayer, from dedication, from faith. And so, integration is not a program, but a concrete experience of friendship, service and shared hope.