Tusta Aguilar recognised for her ‘neighbourhood spirit’

The Villaverde Local Council has presented an award to Tusta Aguilar in recognition of her work coordinating the Education, Culture and Solidarity Association (AECYS) in San Cristóbal de los Ángeles. This is a neighbourhood in the city of Madrid in Spain. 

The presentation of the plaque took place on 5 July. It specifies that the reason for the recognition is ‘her dedication and commitment to the residents of San Cristóbal de los Ángeles which has shaped the soul of our neighbourhood’. 

In an interview granted to the Teresian Association in Spain, Tusta Aguilar says that she really likes what the plaque says about shaping the soul of the neighbourhood. She said, ‘that is precisely what we want to do and what beautifully captures the Povedan idea of transforming people’s lives and giving them an education. It echoes the words said by Juanico, a boy from Guadix, about Pedro Poveda: ‘he made me a person’.  

However, she does not consider that the award is solely hers. She claims that it belongs to all the people who have devoted themselves to this ‘precious mission’ for many years -- ‘I have reaped the benefits of many years of work and now I coordinate a little, but the many volunteers, the members of the Teresian Association and all the friends from around here are the ones who are really receiving this award’. 

The San Cristóbal project 

Tusta Aguilar explained when and how the project initiated by the TA in this Madrid neighbourhood came about. The ‘San Cristóbal Project’ came about in 1991 in response to the educational difficulties encountered by many children in the area. It was initially started and supported by the Teresian Association, and today many members of the TA actively collaborate with it. In fact, InteRed, the NGDO of the Association, is currently financing it to a large extent.  

As for the Education, Culture and Solidarity Association headed by Tusta Aguilar, it is a social and educational support association that helps with some of the most pressing needs in the neighbourhood. It currently focuses on providing school support as well as working with adult women who are actively seeking employment.  

TA Spain.
TA Translation Team.

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