IN-HABIT partners visit Las Palmeras to get to know the neighbourhood and its inhabitants

For two days, the partners of the European IN-HABIT project, coordinated by the University of Cordoba, travelled to the Andalusian city, where they were able to get to know both Las Palmeras, the neighbourhood where the project is focused, and the conditions in which its residents live.

BOT, UREAD, TSR, and DFC participated in a two-day agenda in which they were familiarised with the people of the neighbourhood and the plans that the IN-HABIT project aims to co-design and co-implement with the collaboration of the locals. Isotta Mac Fadden, the IN-HABIT local activator, explains: “It has been an important opportunity for the transversal partners to be able to visualise the work we carry out in Cordoba, where we use tools adapted to the real needs of the context. Thus, they have been able to learn about the dynamics of neighbourhood work and IN-HUB functioning, participating directly in the day-to-day work in Cordoba.”

There were two intense days of meetings with the general coordinator of social services from Cordoba City Council and the director of La Foggara, who had the opportunity to contextualise the problems of Las Palmeras and inform the IN-HABIT members about the neighbourhood and its origins.

The purpose of the partners’ visit was to better understand the context of the research and the reasons for doing it in a certain way. “It has helped us to share what each of us has been doing, resolve any doubts, and be able to work specifically on what each partner needs for their work package,” adds Javier Martínez, an IN-HABIT worker.

There were also meetings held at the Casa de la Igualdad with the equality promoters from La Foggara and others meeting with neighbourhood organisations to discuss pending issues and explain the behavioural games.

However, not all of the agenda was based on meetings, and the members were also able to visit the courtyards that make up Las Palmeras, where the problems faced by the neighbourhood were presented, and where they were able to meet and engage with the inhabitants. “The members had the opportunity to get to know and participate in the weekly activities of the Las Palmeras Committee and the neighbourhood workshops. They also enjoyed enriching informal moments, stopping to talk to locals while walking the streets or having a coffee in the neighbourhood bar, as well as a meal with residents actively involved in the IN-HUB and UAB, giving them a better understanding of the local culture,” says Mac Fadden.

The residents in the neighbourhood were very pleased with the visit and look forward to welcoming the IN-HABIT partners again soon. Toñi Carrillo declared that she “found the work they do very interesting,” and added, “I really liked the way they treated us all and the joy and generosity they showed us. I was delighted with all of them for their ability to make everything easier.”

Finally, a communication workshop was held with the residents in attendance, and a radio programme was recorded, which will soon be broadcast on the IN-HABIT section of Onda Palmeras: “Palmeras, your voice can be heard”.