The first and casual collaboration was in the military service of the Spanish Sahara

Professionally, what have you been doing?

We know that he has been a teacher for many years... I spent a few years working in industry, but since 1981 I have worked as a teacher of Professional Electronics Training at the Institut Comte de Rius in Tarragona. The experience as a teacher has been very interesting. My mother was very excited and although I first dedicated myself to the industry, later I passed my exams to become a teacher. Collaborating with the training of young people is very rewarding. In fact, after 35 years as a teacher I highly recommend it.

Can you tell us about your experience collaborating with NGOs?

The first and casual collaboration was in the military service of the Spanish Sahara. From the beginning I set about setting up a training room especially for women in the Sahrawi camps. After detecting the suitability of the facility I came back here and raised money (through the college of engineers, institute, institutions, etc.). We gave different materials: computers, scanners, etc. We set it up here and we had to get it there. It must be said that in the camps there is no electricity supply, roads, schools... It was quite a challenge. We also did it in the Republic of Chad, in central Africa. There it was through the parishes, since there is no social fabric. We contacted a person who had lived there all his life and who also led the parish and managed to bring the necessary material. Then we jumped to Central America. Nicaragua is in dire need of resources and it is also very difficult to get the equipment there. Through the International Cooperative Council of Tarragona we managed to enhance an agricultural estate that already existed. Thus the profits fueled their own projects. We were way above it. We boosted an activity that was already there and multiplied the production of cattle breeding, milk...

At Open Arms - in one of the rescue missions - they needed engineers to solve technical issues and I also collaborated there. I went there as an engineer but also as a navigator. Fortunately, there were no casualties. This takes a lot of physical, mental and moral wear and tear.

I was in different NGO's from the year 1998-1999 to 2017. Everyone should consider helping the most needy people by paying a fee and lending a helping hand. For me, having made an engineering design such as an engine that must generate energy such as plugs, air conditioning, etc., was quite a challenge. We had to imagine it and bring it to the other side of the world, but it was very rewarding.

Now that you're retired, what do you spend your time on?

With family and friends. I also have time to practice my hobby. I am in the Nautical Club of Tarragona and have been sailing for years, I also row.

What do you think the College of Engineers can bring to the new members? To the young man?

After so many years in the world of teaching I would tell young people to study. Training is important to have an illusion of the future. The College of Engineers supports and helps new members and more in the field of training.