To mark DOMUND, the first-year students on the Intermediate Vocational Training course in Care for People with Dependency Needs (AS2-1º) were visited by Txarly Azcona, a missionary, and Juan Morales, a singer-songwriter, who had travelled from Ecuador.

During the meeting, they shared the story of Monsignor Alejandro and Sister Inés, who gave their lives in defence of the rights and protection of the Tagaeri people, an uncontacted indigenous group living in the Amazon. Their account brought the group closer to a reality which, although distant, affects us all.

The discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on the value of the Amazon: its role in the fight against climate change, its immense biodiversity, its contribution to the water cycle, and the protection it offers to millions of people and indigenous communities. It also highlighted the threat that its deterioration poses to future generations.

In response to the question of what we can do here, three suggestions emerged: to consume less and lead a simpler lifestyle; to make the most of education to learn about and understand the causes and consequences of what is happening both near and far; and to nurture community life by fostering goodness and everyday relationships.

A simple yet profound account that encourages us to look at the world with care and to turn our reflections into small acts of commitment. Eskerrik asko, Txarly and Juan, for sharing your experience.

“Barruan izan, kanpoan egoteko”