Learning about diversity through poetry

Poetry readings were given by students and traders from the Hostafrancs and Trinitat Vella  neighbourhoods from 6 to 9 March as part of the ‘Poemes que ens acosten’ project by the Casa Àsia. The event took place in the plenary hall at the Sants-Montjuïc District Council Office and in the Espai Barcelona area in the Trinitat Vella civic centre.

In all, 280 people took part, including students, family members and teachers from the Joan Peregrí, Miquel Bleach and Ramon i Cajal schools, the Comas i Solà secondary school and the Trinitat Vella adult training centre. Representatives from the various associations and  institutions taking part read poems chosen for the occasion.

Students and traders of all ages and cultural backgrounds shared poetry in Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Catalan, English and Urdu, enjoying the musicality of each language and celebrating the cultural diversity of both neighbourhoods, one of their most enriching aspects.

Traders and students were all keen to share what they had learnt, explaining experiences and anecdotes from the visits to neighbourhood shops. The Casa Àsia awarded diplomas for each establishment, school and association collaborating on the project as a way of expressing gratitude, reflecting the importance of intercultural exchange, the creation of bonds and social cohesions, and recognising the city’s cultural diversity.

The project is being collaborated on by the Department of Citizen Rights and Immigration at Barcelona City Council, the Creu Coberta and Trinitat Vella retailers’ associations, the Sants-Montjuïc District Council and the Trinitat Vella Civic Centre and Library.