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Velez-Malaga just won a major accolade: Municipio Joven de Andalucia (Andalusian Youth Municipality) 2025. The award, handed out by the Junta de Andalucia’s youth institute (IAJ) as part of the Premios Andalucia Joven 2025, was shared with Las Gabias in Granada. But for locals, this is a huge nod to years of work putting young people front and centre. What’s behind the award? According to the IAJ, Velez-Malaga’s youth department has been running “a participatory, innovative management model deeply connected to the real needs of young people.” That’s not just corporate speak: it means thousands of young residents are getting tangible benefits from initiatives they actually helped shape. Among the standout projects are the university transport scheme helping roughly 800 students get around, processing European Youth Cards, and tech-focused extracurricular camps teaching Roblox and Unity. There are also workshops in schools covering sexuality, equality, diversity and soft skills. Basically, practical tools for life. Training, entrepreneurship, and real opportunities The town hall has been active on the career front too. Courses in lifeguarding, sports monitoring, food handling, health and safety, and young entrepreneurship help young people gain skills they can actually use. Local spaces have been opened up for career guidance and job-seeking support, often in partnership with organisations like Betania and Escuela Factor H. Leisure, adventure, and fun It’s not all study and work. Velez-Malaga’s youth programme doubles down on fun, from excursions to Aventura Amazonia, Lobo Park, and the otherworldly El Torcal, to diving lessons, dolphin watching, and big events like Summer 2025, Noche en Vela, and the Mercadillo Friki Solidario. In other words, growing up in Velez means exploring, learning, and creating memories along the way. Councillor for Youth Lourdes Piña said: “This award reflects an approach to youth policy based on listening, participation and the creation of real opportunities for young people. In Velez-Malaga, we work to make young people feel like they are an active part of the present and protagonists of the future of their town.” For a town in the sunny Axarquia, this recognition is proof that putting youth at the heart of municipal policy pays off. In skills, adventure, and life chances. Read here more news from Axarquia.
