Every Monday, the beach turns into a volleyball court and a space of connection, learning, and joy. With a group of young migrants from countries such as Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Gambia and Ivory Coast, we share more than just a sport, we share energy, culture, and laughter. What might seem like a simple weekly game has become the most awaited moment of the week where everyone, kids and volunteers, learns to open up, support one another, and overall feel part of a group.
We don’t have the role of the mentor who actually teaches their sport. We’re like cheerleaders, we’re here to support them, help with the balls, take photos and videos, and celebrate the smallest victories! After the games, we often sit on the warm sand and talk about who we are and what we dream of. One of us shared, “It brings a smile to my face when I see them having fun.”, which shows how meaningful even the simplest gestures can be. These are the moments when we create the strongest bonds. This moment is not about teaching volleyball or learning how to be a mentor. It’s about being present, about listening and letting the kids show us their world too.
Through these moments, we also grow. Whether it’s improving our Spanish, English, or French, learning how to connect without words, or simply discovering their perspective on respect and kindness, every Monday teaches us something new. Someone from our team said this: “I feel more confident and included while meeting new people from different backgrounds”. We’re reminded that trust isn’t built through roles but through good energy and genuine interest.
And even for the teens, these weekly sessions offer more than exercise — they offer a break from reality, a safe space to feel seen, to laugh, to be part of a group. Over time, we’ve noticed their confidence grow, their smiles widen, and a beautiful sense of trust takes root.
In the end, this project embodies O2por la vida’s values and goals like creating real bonds, where everyone, no matter their background, can feel included.
