ALAS Brings the Voice of Our Community to the International Gathering "Migrants and Refugees in Our Common Home" in Tenerife

From June 11–14, ALAS had the privilege of participating, for the second consecutive year, in the international gathering Migrants and Refugees in Our Common Home, held in Tenerife, Canary Islands. The event brought together organizations, university professors from across the globe, and individuals united by a shared purpose: to build a world where migrants and refugees are welcomed with dignity, compassion, and hope.

This year's gathering took place in Tenerife, a particularly meaningful setting for reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and shared responsibility surrounding migration.

The event began on Thursday, June 11, with a day dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of the migration realities facing the Canary Islands. All participants attended the exclusive pre-release screening of Ousman Umar's film “North to paradise”, followed by a conversation with Umar himself, whose story offered a powerful testament to resilience and perseverance.

In addition, we visited several civil society organizations that work every day to welcome and support migrants, including ECCA Social, the Buen Samaritano Foundation, and the Red Cross. These visits provided firsthand insight into the challenges faced by those arriving on the shores of the Canary Islands, as well as the vital work these organizations do to offer not only protection, but also hope.

The symposium coincided with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain. On the second day of the event, we had the opportunity to join the Holy Father's gathering at Plaza del Cristo in La Laguna. Later that day, we attended the Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The main day of the symposium took place on Saturday, July 13, and featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and working groups focused on a wide range of migration-related issues. As part of the program, ALAS representatives shared their work through the symposium's Lightning Talks. Dr. Belinda Hernandez, CEO of ALAS, presented her talk, Accompaniment with Culture, Heart, and Song to Heal Immigration Trauma, highlighting how ALAS's accompaniment model has shown that healing migration-related trauma begins with consistent presence, trusting relationships, and a strong sense of community. Drawing on experiences in the United States, Peru, and along the U.S.–Mexico border, she illustrated how music, art, culture, and mental health can become powerful tools for healing, fostering resilience, and reminding migrant families that they are not alone.

Dr. Hiram Santisteban, COO of ALAS, also delivered a Lightning Talk titled Community Healing Across Borders: Lessons from a U.S.–Peru Immersion on Youth Resilience, Migration, and Trauma-Informed Practice. His presentation highlighted key lessons from the partnership between ALAS and Casa Generación, a Peruvian organization that supports young people facing vulnerable circumstances. He emphasized the value of collaboration between communities across countries as a way to learn from one another and develop accompaniment models that respond to the real needs of migrants.

The symposium concluded on Sunday, July 14, with the celebration of the Eucharist at La Laguna Cathedral, bringing to a close four days of dialogue, learning, and international collaboration.

ALAS's participation in this event reaffirms our commitment to building communities where every person, regardless of their country of origin, is welcomed with dignity, respect, and love.