Asociación Elín

Investigating another lead from my Stop Mare Mortum meeting in June, I came across Asociación Elín, a non-profit group based in Ceuta. The organisation focuses on ‘the recognition of human rights, the search for justice, and the protection of migrant rights’, working especially with migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees throughout the region.

© Asociación Elín

They hold workshops, language classes, and social activities aiming to promote intercultural relations, with particular concern for the many unaccompanied minors living on the beaches of Ceuta. The group's outreach programme includes selling candles made by migrants and a weekly silent protest in town to raise local awareness and involvement.

© Asociación Elín

The whole operation runs from a sort of open house in a residential area of town and is run by three local nuns. It stands as a fantastic precedent for a more site-specific approach than I’ve previously considered and has sparked several new ideas for the women’s centre design. I will be meeting Paula, one of the nuns who run the group, while I’m in Ceuta. She will be able to give me a more grounded perspective of the direction of both my research and design, as well as some invaluable first-hand discussions with migrants themselves.

© Asociación Elín