From the Community to the Palace: Recognized at the Highest Level

Yesterday morning was a moment we will never forget. 🙏

We are deeply honored to share that two members of our Madrid For Refugees Code program — Vika and Raúl (standing in the front row, far right) — were invited to join the ACNUR/UNHCR Spain delegation for a private audience with Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain, as part of the celebrations marking UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s 75th anniversary.

 

 

 

Vika, from Ukraine, is a Refugees Code graduate and now volunteer. Raul, from El Salvador, is a current Refugees Code Frontend teacher and student in our Data Science program. Together with refugees from Mali, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, Somalia, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia, Iraq and Syria, they shared their stories and experiences in a close and meaningful dialogue with the Queen about the situation of refugees and the challenges of international protection.

During the audience, ACNUR Spain highlighted community-based initiatives and organizations working alongside refugees in Spain. We are incredibly proud that RefugeesCode from Madrid For Refugees was among those recognized, alongside: #SemillasDeBarro de Maletas de Cartón & Asociación Espacio Rojo, Música Sin Fronteras, Djo Aminata, Dragones de Lavapiés, Refugiados Sin Fronteras and Casa del Sudán.

This recognition belongs to every supporter, participant, collaborator, volunteer, and community member who has been part of Madrid For Refugees since 2015. Over 10 years of knowing that real change starts in the community — and yesterday, our work was seen at the highest level.

A heartfelt thank you to ACNUR/UNHCR Spain and Casa Real for this extraordinary space of dialogue, and for centering the voices of refugees. Congratulations to our entire MFR community. This one is for all of you. 💙