More than 15 organisations from the service sector and 20 representatives from large companies, as well as a broad representation from the Shejiná Association, the UCAM Institutional Relations Department and the University's Chair in Social Responsibility gathered at the Los Jerónimos Campus to learn about the work this organisation does. They also met to forge alliances with UCAM, public administrations, companies, service sector organisations and social volunteers for the promotion, prevention and treatment of mental health in young people. Since the association was founded in 2023, it has been offering support to young people in vulnerable situations due to causes such as addiction, anxiety, depression or family conflicts. With the involvement of UCAM and other organisations and individuals, it plans to expand its services and the number of people it helps.

The event was attended by José Bosch, President of Shejiná; Father Pedro Najas, promoter of this project; José Luis Mendoza, UCAM Director of Institutional Relations and collaborator with this association; Víctor Meseguer, Director of the UCAM Chair in Social Responsibility; and Gonzalo Wandosell, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, who expressed their excitement about this project that is doing so much good for young people throughout Spain who have suffered the consequences of addiction. 

One of the boys taken in by Shejiná shared his story, explaining that he had to leave his family because of his drug addiction, which led to serious behavioural problems and a suicide attempt. ‘It was at that moment that the Lord touched my mother's heart, she got back in touch with me and helped me find the Shejiná Association, where I have healed my wounds and rebuilt my life.’ Belén Ayuso, Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer and actress, lent her voice, music and soul to the event. 

Shejiná, whose name evokes the presence of God in the midst of suffering, is inspired by an experience lived by Father Pedro Najas in Latin America, where he witnessed how a community-based and orderly life could heal deep wounds, as demonstrated in the lives of the more than 170 young people already taken in. Its funding comes from voluntary contributions from families, donations from individuals and companies, as well as fundraising activities.

This initiative has been made possible thanks to the companies of the Sustainability Club of the International Chair of CSR, the GINSO Association and the Regional Federation of Metal Entrepreneurs of the Region of Murcia.