Best Buddies Spain is celebrating the success of its first-ever Marcha de la Amistad y la Inclusión (Friendship Walk for Inclusion), with nearly 500 students and teachers walking together for inclusion! The Friendship Walk for Inclusion, adapts the National Friendship Walk initiative in the U.S. to reflect the educational focus and local context and culture in Spain. This approach not only raises awareness but also integrates activities that foster empathy, respect, and lasting friendships among students.
A New Approach to Inclusion in Schools
Unlike traditional events, the Friendship Walk for Inclusion in Spain is designed to take place during the school day, on school campuses. This approach allows the walk to reach more students, especially in schools that don’t yet have a Best Buddies program. It’s not just about raising awareness—though it certainly does that—it’s also about planting the seeds for long-term change. By engaging students in an environment where they feel safe and connected, the walk becomes more than an event; it becomes a catalyst for inclusion.
The Power of a Simple Step
The concept is beautifully simple: students and teachers come together to walk around their school, symbolizing the journey toward a more inclusive community. But the real magic happens in the details. Before the walk, schools engage in a week of activities tailored to different age groups, designed to deepen the understanding of the value of diversity and to promote empathy and friendship.
For example, in one school, 5th and 6th-grade students wrote stories about inclusion, and every day, two students had the opportunity to read their stories aloud to the entire school via the PA system. This simple act turned into a powerful moment of reflection, allowing the entire school to engage with the voices of their peers, sharing personal thoughts and experiences about friendship and diversity.
A Commitment to Inclusion
The walk is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s a way for schools to show that inclusion is a priority. By participating, schools demonstrate their commitment to creating environments where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels valued.
In addition, Best Buddies Spain asks each student to contribute between 1 and 3 euros. This small donation not only helps support Best Buddies programs but also reinforces the idea that inclusion is something we all invest in—both emotionally and practically.
Growing Fast, Spreading Hope
Following the success of the first walk, with 500 participants, the movement is gaining momentum. Eleven schools have already confirmed their participation in upcoming walks scheduled for April and May, with more schools expressing interest every week. The walk has proven to be a versatile model that can be easily adapted to different school environments, making it a sustainable initiative for the future.
Beyond the Walk: Building a Culture of Inclusion
While the walk itself is a highlight, the goal is much bigger. The Friendship Walk for Inclusion is a gateway to lasting change. It opens doors to new Best Buddies School Clubs, one-to-one friendship programs, and ongoing activities that continue to promote inclusion long after the walk is over.
At Best Buddies Spain, inclusion doesn’t happen in a single day—it grows with every conversation, every activity, and every friendship formed. The Friendship Walk for Inclusion is just the beginning.
Watch the Friendship Walk Highlights
To see the inspiring moments from the Marcha de la Amistad y la Inclusión, check out the video below.
Learn More about Best Buddies Spain
To learn more or get involved, reach out to Monica Mir, Executive Director of Best Buddies Spain, at MonicaMir@bestbuddies.es.
