The forum, titled Listening to Communities That Care for Themselves, was organized by the Research Group in Social Work, Research and Transfer (Gets-it) from the University of Vigo and GI-Esculca from the University of Santiago de Compostela, with support from the Vice-Rectorate for Students and University Life at UVigo. Coordination was led by Iria Vázquez (UVigo), Cristina Varela, and David García (USC).
At the opening, Iria Vázquez emphasized the importance of "breaking stereotypes and prejudices about rural areas" from the university perspective. David García highlighted the need to move away from an urban-centric model and view rural reality through initiatives like these forums. Isabel Mociño, Dean of the Faculty, stressed the center's commitment to the local environment and critical thinking, while Raquel Rial, area director of the Ourense campus, pointed out the academic institution's role in valuing rural life.
The Community of Actions and Knowledge Around the Rural has been working since 2021 to create synergies between universities and rural territories, addressing the difficulties students face in connecting with rural areas and promoting sustainable and just personal and professional futures. The goal is to leverage the resources of both academia and rural entities for mutual learning and joint social value creation.
The program included a round table-podcast on the socio-ecological needs of rural areas, moderated by Iria Vázquez and featuring Cooperativa Outonía and CDR O Viso. A workshop on collaboration methodologies was also held, presenting initiatives from GI-Esculca and Amigas da Terra, such as peasant knowledge funds, service-learning projects, and the network of school eco-gardens.
