As part of the ‘Links with the Territory’ program, through which the PRUEPA program (Educational Recovery and Utilization Program of Abandoned Towns) is introduced to a restricted number of towns each year, fifty residents of Tamajon visited the town of Umbralejo yesterday. This town, which suffered rural exodus in the last century and subsequently a controversial expropriation, is now part of PRUEPA.
Visits to Umbralejo are part of an effort to highlight the true educational purpose of the place. The CENEAM (National Center for Environmental Education), under the Ministry of Ecological Transition, organizes these visits for a select group of towns each year. Unlike a typical tourist visit, Umbralejo opens to visitors in a limited way, allowing them to learn about the place on Saturdays and Sundays at specific times. For the residents of Tamajon, the invitation was extended by the Sierra Norte Natural Park. Eugenio Esteban, the mayor of Tamajon, commented that they were delighted with the visit and grateful for the opportunity.
The objective of ‘Links with the Territory’ is to eliminate the perception that Umbralejo is simply a camp. In reality, it is a place where a broad educational program is developed. During these visits, visitors can fully understand the educational center and grasp the importance of the project. Members of neighboring towns have the opportunity to experience firsthand the educational and cultural activities that take place there, bringing the town closer to the community.
Every week, in spring, summer, and fall, fifty young people from all over Spain arrive in Umbralejo to participate in rehabilitation activities, both constructive and agricultural. In addition to learning about the program, the residents of Tamajon toured the facilities and learned about the history of the town from the 11th century to its abandonment in the mid-20th century. The focus at the center was on providing a comprehensive view of the program, from theory to daily practice.
The mayor of Tamajon emphasized the importance of the rehabilitation and transformation work in Umbralejo. According to him, the works carried out by different ministries have been done with great sensitivity, clearly differentiating between old and new constructions. Esteban described the project as “educationally very interesting” and crucial for the preservation of the territory, noting that without PRUEPA, Umbralejo would probably be in ruins.
However, Esteban lamented that Umbralejo does not have an economic or developmental influence on the surrounding towns. In his opinion, although Umbralejo has all the necessary resources, many neighboring towns lack basic services such as trash cans, proper garbage collection, and water supply. The mayor urged for more attention to be paid to the needs of the surrounding towns, such as Tamajon, Almiruete, Palancares, and Muriel.
PRUEPA is an educational program implemented by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, in collaboration with the education departments of several autonomous communities. Started in the 80s, the program takes place in three towns: Umbralejo in Guadalajara, Granadilla in Cáceres, and Búbal in Huesca.
The main objective of PRUEPA is to bring young people, mostly urban, closer to rural life, helping them understand the importance of maintaining a balance between man and the environment. Originally focused on the physical rehabilitation of towns, the program has evolved into an educational and sustainable approach, aligning with the current needs of society and socio-environmental challenges.
via: MiMub in Spanish
