(July 28, 2010) In the preparation for the visit of 10,000 youth with disabilities
coming to Madrid for the 2011 World Youth Day, volunteers are receiving special training
as helpers for the handicapped. The Alares Foundation signed an agreement with World
Youth Day organizers and its collaborator, the Madrid Vivo Foundation, about a program
to train volunteers in caring for those with disabilities. The Alares Foundation is
committed to teach the volunteers to aid disabled visitors in a way appropriate to
their needs. Javier Benavente, the foundation's president, pointed out that the agreement
"is a very great challenge of much importance and responsibility -- one of the most
important that the foundation has received," reported the youth day organizers. Among
other things, this foundation is dedicated to the integration of disabled people in
businesses. The training will take place at several levels: general education for
all the volunteers, and specific training for those who will be working directly with
the handicapped. During the event in August 2011, the Alares Foundation will be answering
a 24-hour telephone hotline for volunteers who have specific doubts or questions about
how to best help handicapped persons. Pedro Besari, director of the youth day volunteers
office, noted, "It is always more difficult for the disabled to travel and move, and
that is why it is good to be well prepared to help them in the best way possible."
The youth day organizers have nominated a special team to coordinate and receive those
participants who have special needs.