One of the things that makes me most proud of Telefónica is our Foundation and its immense work to help and support those most in need. The range of initiatives is enormous, and we can boast one of the most significant volunteer programmes in the world, with more than 60,000 people involved. But today we are going to focus on one of the most important pillars, which focuses on improving education around the world.
Fundación Telefónica, together with Fundación ‘la Caixa’, is spearheading a world-leading educational innovation programme, ProFuturo, which aims to improve the education of the most vulnerable in the most remote places on the planet. Its efforts seek to reduce the educational gap in the world by providing quality digital education. What is the ultimate goal? That children in these environments ‘can choose the future they deserve’.
The ProFuturo race
To raise awareness of the importance of improving education around the world, ProFuturo organises an annual race through the centre of Madrid covering almost 6 kilometres. My daughters have been taking part in it for several years now. I’m not a runner, but the atmosphere I experienced every year from the starting line made me want to join this group of athletes eager to help, and for the first time in my life, this year I also put on a race number. In addition to the beautiful car-free route, I finished the race at the same time as a man over 90 years old (and we weren’t the last ones!), a wonderful example of vitality and endurance. It was a great experience that I hope to repeat next year!
Impact on its ninth anniversary
On the occasion of its ninth anniversary this summer, I had the opportunity to interview Magdalena Brier, its managing director. Magdalena tells us how ProFuturo came about, with the involvement of Pope Francis, the value it brings to towns and villages that don’t even have mobile coverage or electricity, and the importance of having a strong network of allies.
