Andorran Youth Group Calls for Better Coordination to Aid Vulnerable Children

The Andorran Association for the Defence of Youth at Risk (Adjra) has called for stronger coordination between government ministries and social organisations to better support vulnerable young people and families.

Adjra president Sandra Cano emphasised the need for stable funding through solid private-sector partnerships and institutional backing. She described such entities as often the first safe space where youth and families feel able to share their problems, framing reliable resources as an investment in social cohesion and collective wellbeing.

A key priority is improving integration among services from the ministries of Education, Health, and Social Affairs, alongside third-sector groups. This would involve sharing information, protocols, and goals with the individual at the centre, Cano said. The association stresses early intervention, noting that many families and young people only seek help when issues have escalated into severe emotional distress, serious school conflicts, or chronic bullying.

Mental health emerges as a major challenge, with rising cases of anxiety, low self-esteem, fear of rejection, and loneliness among youth. Cano urged normalising help-seeking and expanding accessible, ongoing emotional and psychological support, particularly for children and adolescents. Prevention in schools and family assistance are essential for early detection, she added.

Looking to 2026, Adjra plans to conclude its anti-bullying awareness campaign, launched last year, through workshops and dialogue sessions in schools and youth centres. These will tie into key dates like Safer Internet Day and World Mental Health Day, involving students, families, and teachers. The group will also bolster programmes on affective-sexual education, critical technology use, preventing pornography consumption, and fostering healthy, egalitarian relationships, with age-appropriate workshops for families and professionals.

Other efforts include cultural activities such as artistic events and talks to combat stigma around mental health and bullying, alongside strengthening ties with public institutions, businesses, and collaborators. Adjra will continue contributing to government working groups, including the new national plan against drug dependency.

These initiatives build on 2025 successes, including the anti-bullying campaign with contests, workshops, and debates, plus the publication of *El silenci de la broma*, a book compiling professional testimonies on school bullying.

A recent highlight was a charity gala at Club Rítmica Serradells, featuring performances by local gymnasts and Spanish Olympian Polina Berezina. Attended by Sports Minister Mònica Bonell, Health Minister Helena Mas, and Secretary of State Cristina Pérez, the event drew large crowds despite being an early Sunday morning. Cano praised the community turnout—"children brought their parents"—and strong engagement, with young attendees focused on activities rather than phones. The gala raised €2,198 for 2026 projects, boosting the association's visibility, though Cano noted the book remained less known among participants.