A space to share experiences and build community in the collective reconstruction after the DANA 

5th de march 2024 – After four months since the catastrophe caused by the DANA, a constant effort to rebuild our towns, and a great collective effort to restore daily life, the Fundación Movimiento Ciudadano felt the need to go beyond the material repair of damages.

Thus, “Solidarity Paellas. Survival Stories” was born, an initiative designed with the main goal of collecting and documenting the positive actions carried out during the DANA catastrophe so that, when future emergencies arise, civil society is better prepared to face them. In addition to documentation, the initiative aims to give a voice to the associations that played a fundamental role during the DANA emergency, foster social cohesion, and raise funds for the affected organizations.

The first event of this initiative, which took place last Sunday, March 2, was hosted by the Mujeres Antares de Manises association and had the AFA of Jaume I School in Catarroja as a guest association.

Also participating were the Asociación Vecinal Barrio San Francisco y Alameda Park, the Manises Mountain Club, the Asociación de Esplais Valencians, the Casa de Juventud Trellat, the Asociación Impuls, and representatives from Esquerra Unida de Manises and Podem Manises. Many individuals close to these associations also attended, and although they were not formally members, they wanted to contribute to this act of solidarity.

In total, more than 80 people gathered in an event of solidarity and mutual support, aware that despite the devastation, the strength of the community lies in the ability to rise again together, share experiences, and look forward with hope. Thanks to the collaboration of all those involved, the fundraising reached 1,200 euros, which will be directly allocated to supporting the recovery of entities affected by the DANA.

From Fundació Horta Sud, we highlight the work of Fundación Movimiento Ciudadano and reaffirm, once again, our commitment to rebuilding ground zero and strengthening the local associative network. The road to recovery will be long, but we know that with everyone’s help, we will be able to rebuild not only the physical spaces but also the social ties that unite the community.