Just an ordinary day… that turned out to be unforgettable.
Being part of Fundación Asha-Kiran’s Mentor Program means sharing simple moments that often end up becoming cherished memories. Paco, Mamadou’s mentor, shares one of them with us.
One day, a friend called me to ask for help building his house in the village of Ojén, very close to Marbella. I asked if I could bring a friend along, and he replied that all helping hands were welcome.
That’s how Mamadou got the chance to earn some money, and very early in the morning, the two of us showed up in Ojén to start the day.
There were four of us working. While my friend and another person were plastering the walls, Mamadou and I were installing the wiring. During one of our breaks, we saw that there was a foosball table in the house, so we played a few games in pairs. The Mamadou-Paco team won by a landslide.
There was also a speaker at the construction site, and everyone took turns playing the music they liked. When it was Mamadou’s turn, he played a song from his homeland, Guinea-Conakry, convinced that it would surprise us. But he was the one who was surprised when he realized that we all knew the song. It was “Yé ké Yé ké” by Mory Kanté.
When we finished working, we took a walk through Ojén—which Mamadou always calls “Jaén”—visited some natural caves and took some photos.
I think it was a wonderful day for both of us.
Testimonial from Paco, Mamadou’s mentor at Fundación Asha-Kiran’s Mentor Program.
Mentor Program: Supporting Others to Build Community
The Mentor Program is an initiative of Vínculos Project that connects volunteers with migrants who are starting a new life in Málaga.
Its goal is not to provide one-time assistance, but to create human connections based on trust, active listening, and mutual support. Sharing a cup of coffee, taking a walk around the city, practicing Spanish, meeting new people, or simply having a conversation are small gestures that can make a big difference during a time of increased vulnerability.
Many people who arrive in our country do so without a family or social network. Having a mentor helps them feel supported, find their way in their new environment, and strengthen their integration process. At the same time, those who participate as volunteers discover new realities, broaden their perspective, and build relationships that, in many cases, stand the test of time.
It often starts with a chance encounter… and ends up becoming a friendship—or even family.
Would you like to volunteer for this experience as part of Vínculos project? You may sign up by clicking here.