As a follow-up to a talk organized by Rotakids, a group of middle and high school students recently had the unique opportunity to visit the Open Arms boat, currently docked at Port Vell in Barcelona. This eye-opening field trip gave students a firsthand look into the courageous and often challenging work of Open Arms, a humanitarian NGO dedicated to rescuing migrants at sea off the coast of Libya.
Students learned that the Open Arms mission is carried out by a dedicated team of just 20 people, including the ship’s crew. The organization is legally obliged to bring rescued individuals to the nearest safe port, typically in Malta or Italy. However, with Malta no longer responding to their rescue calls and Italy increasingly imposing barriers, the missions have become more difficult and politically complex.
Through a powerful talk led by the Open Arms team, students gained insight into the root causes of forced migration, including war, political ideologies, and the growing impact of climate change. These global challenges have led many people to risk their lives on dangerous sea crossings in search of safety and stability.
Onboard the ship, students witnessed the stark reality faced by those rescued - experiencing, even briefly, the conditions and vulnerability that so many migrants endure during their journey. It was a deeply moving and meaningful experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
A special thank you to Open Arms for welcoming our students and offering such a powerful, real-world perspective on humanitarian action and global responsibility.