IE Business School, Autumn 2024

Starting tomorrow, this month we’re working with around 1,400 IE business Master’s students who will build a swathe of infrastructure for four not-for-profit organisations supporting disadvantaged communities in and around Madrid, Spain.  

The teams include students across various Master’s programmes including IMBA, Marcom, MSBT, MBDI, MIM, MIF and MSBT, who will each play an important part in supporting the work of the charities dedicated to improving life for those in need in the city. 

As always, we consulted with all the charities to find out what they need to ensure the projects have maximum benefit. 

The charities 

Association El Fanal, Cañada Real 

Founded 18 years ago, the Fanal Association has two social education centres, one in the centre of Madrid and the other in Cañada Real, Europe’s largest shanty town. 

The association’s objective is the personal and social development of families at risk of exclusion.  

Its Cañada Real centre runs courses which are attended by around 60 mothers every morning, while their young children are cared for. There are also classes and activities for some 200 children between six and 18 years old including Spanish and computing. 

There is also a library and a Red Cross Centre providing medical care for the families. 

Students will transform the centre’s outdoor area, constructing an outdoor classroom, sheltered seating, game elements including a play train, throwing games and Jenga, and a boundary fence for the activities area. 

Secondary School Nicolás Copérnico 

The school supports students who require a wide range of educational and mobility needs. 

The students are building a long walkway with plenty of sheltered seating, a large amphitheatre and planters. 

Colegio Publico Miguel Hernandez 

The school supports low-income and disadvantaged families. 

MIF students are building a growing garden, shaded seating and an outdoor classroom while MIM students are building a long walkway with outdoor classrooms, sheltered seating, a games area and assault course and a timber trail. 

UFIL Training Institute 

The institute provides educational opportunities for students who come from disadvantaged social environments. 

50 members of staff are building a gravel walkway with a growing garden and two seating areas. 

We can’t wait to see the transformation!