“In Mallorca, some young people go unseen, and they need opportunities”

When did you realise that there were invisible youth who needed specific support?

I realised this when I started at the foundation and created the educational programme. I saw that children who’d attended the summer camps and schools were mostly middle- and upper-class children, or were referred from schools, where families already had some environmental awareness. In contrast, at-risk youth couldn’t pay €400 and had no family support to access these activities. That’s when we saw the need to work with social services and offer spaces for them as well.

How did the 'Jóvenes Invisibles' project come about?

It all started when Flor de Sal wanted to sponsor environmental activities. I proposed linking environmental education with social education, something that had never been done before. I suggested starting in Campos, which is where the company works, and the social services welcomed it with open arms. From there we designed weekly workshops combining recycling, plastics, personal care and yoga. I have to take care of myself first in order to be able to care for others.

What are the workshops based on?

They’re based on three pillars: self-care through fun, accessible yoga; environmental education; and direct contact with nature. Lots of children have never snorkelled before and have never seen what’s underwater. It’s tough: even though they live in Mallorca, they can’t go to the beach because they don’t have a swimming costume. Kayaking, trips to Cabrera and coastal clean-ups help them understand why it’s important to protect the sea.

What does it actually mean for a young person to be “invisible”?

They don’t have access to activities that other children do. Many can’t make ends meet, come from other countries, are out of place and need psychological support. Some of them have lived through traumatic situations: bereavement, dinghies, broken families, and time spent in juvenile detention centres. And when they turn 18, many are left on the street. In Mallorca, it’s as though this collective does not exist.

How does contact with nature affect them?

When they dive, sail or see marine life for the first time, something in them changes. They understand why they need to take care of the environment. If they’ve never had direct contact with it, they can’t love nature. That’s why we combine real experiences with emotional education. Many of these children, who've often been seen as “a nuisance”, find a safe space here where they feel valued.

How do you work on self-esteem and the emotional side of things?

Yoga works on psychological and emotional aspects, and we also do group activities to encourage empathy and bonding. The programme isn’t just environmental: we talk about emotions, active listening, belonging and visibility. If we detect mental health risks, we refer to the appropriate professionals. The main thing is to give them continuity and a space where they feel good and seen, something that’s not usual in their day-to-day life.

How do they react when they first arrive?

At first, they’re defensive and test the limits, but as soon as they see respect and consistency from the team, they show gratitude and motivation. The problem isn’t them; it’s the context. During overnight stays and weekend outings, they behave better than most tourist groups. When they’re offered a safe place, they bring out the best in themselves.

What’s the hardest thing to change?

The hardest thing isn’t working with young people, but changing the mentality of adults: getting businesses and society to understand the importance of supporting this group. By focusing on prevention, many social and mental health problems could be prevented. It’s also hard to break down young people’s own limiting beliefs. They feel it’ll never be for them because their circumstances have taught them so.

What resources does the programme require?

Surprisingly few: a coordinating educator, a yoga teacher and a monthly kayak trip for about thirty young people using the public bus. It’s not an expensive project, but it needs continuity. It’s funded by companies such as Flor de Sal, Hidrobal, Mallorca Preservation and Universal Beach Hotels. “Los Faros” has also been set up, consisting of families who contribute monthly instalments and help to keep the project going.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to the public?

The environmental message must reach everyone, as a matter of justice. And there’s an invisible group of young people in Mallorca that must be made invincible by all of us through social and business support. We need people to get involved. We all have the right to activities that take care of our mental, emotional and environmental health.