In one of Madrid’s most multicultural and less affluent neighborhoods, where dreams of travel usually remain just that—dreams—students at IES Numancia unexpectedly got a chance at a real adventure. It all started with a simple question from a teacher: Where would you like to go for your graduation trip? The answers were bold—Paris, Rome, exotic resorts. But reality set its own terms: most families are barely making ends meet, and trips outside the city are out of reach for many.
Nonetheless, the history and geography teacher decided not to give up. He suggested a more modest, but entirely feasible, option—Granada. To raise funds, the students started with a traditional raffle among friends and acquaintances, but soon someone suggested trying crowdfunding. No one expected the initiative to go viral on social media and catch the attention of hundreds of people so quickly.
Almost 500 children study at the school, many of whom are children of migrants who have just arrived in Spain. There are even special classes for those who do not speak Spanish or are significantly behind academically. In these circumstances, the idea of a group trip seemed almost impossible. But the viral effect worked: within just a few days, the campaign had raised nearly 10,000 euros.
At first, only 40 students signed up for the trip—not every family could afford even a free journey, as many face challenging circumstances. However, as it became clear that the trip would really take place, another twenty students joined the group. Now there are 62 of them, and they are eagerly awaiting June 2026, when they will travel to Granada, see the Alhambra, and visit the beach for the first time in their lives.
A journey that could change everything
The itinerary is already set: three days of adventure, excursions, water activities, and the long-awaited first meeting with the sea in Nerja. For many, this will be their first real vacation away from home. Teachers note that, for these teenagers, the most important thing is not just a change of scenery, but feeling supported and cared for by complete strangers.
Last year, the school made the news due to poor exam results, but now it is being talked about for a different reason. Students and teachers are confident that this experience will stay with them for life. Even if they are unable to raise the full amount needed, they already feel like winners. After all, what matters most is not the destination, but the belief that the impossible is possible.
