95% of participants reached job interviews and 8 secured work experience in a programme focused on breaking the cycle of social aid dependency
Torrevieja, 25 November 2025 – The plenary hall of Torrevieja Town Hall hosted the official presentation of the results of the second edition of Programa OLA (Ocupación, Liderazgo y Acompañamiento – Occupation, Leadership and Support), an innovative employment insertion initiative led by Agamed (Aguas del Mediterráneo), in partnership with Cruz Roja and Torrevieja City Council. This collaborative effort continues to deliver impressive outcomes for some of the municipality’s most vulnerable residents.
Launched in 2023, Programa OLA specifically targets beneficiaries of AGAMED’s Social Fund – households that have previously needed help to pay water bills due to economic hardship. The core philosophy is simple yet powerful: instead of providing recurring aid, the programme equips participants with the skills, confidence and opportunities to achieve lasting financial independence.
Key Results – Second Edition 2025
- 20 participants, all recipients of AGAMED Social Fund support
- Average profile: Spanish women aged 31–66
- 90% retention rate throughout the entire programme
- 100% activation rate – every participant received training
- 95% participated in real job selection processes
- 8 participants gained work experience during the programme
- Average of 33 hours of individual technical support per person
- Budget split: 47% employability actions, 53% basic needs coverage
During the event, Amelia Navarro, Director of Sustainable Development and Equity at Hidraqua, emphasised the strategic vision behind the initiative:
“Within the Social Action pillar of our Strategic Plan, we promote high-impact, measurable programmes in alliance with other organisations that contribute to genuine social transformation. Programa OLA is designed so that, through training and employment, users of the AGAMED Social Fund stop needing this type of assistance.”
Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolón highlighted the strength of the tripartite collaboration:
“In just two editions, Programa OLA has established itself as an essential tool for improving the lives of many Torrevieja families. When the City Council, AGAMED and Cruz Roja join forces, we prove that we can generate real opportunities for those who need them most.”
A tailored response to local challenges
Torrevieja’s economy remains heavily dependent on seasonal tourism. When the summer ends, many residents – especially women heading single-parent households – face sudden drops in income, making it difficult to cover essentials such as water, electricity and rent. The profile of this year’s participants (predominantly women aged 31–66) mirrors exactly the demographic most affected by this seasonal vulnerability.
Proven model, promising future
With a 90% retention rate, full activation of participants and almost universal involvement in selection processes, the data clearly validates the programme’s methodology. Both Agamed’s management and the municipal government have already confirmed their commitment to a third edition in 2026, with discussions underway about possible expansion to reach even more beneficiaries.
In an Spain where long-term unemployment among women over 45 remains stubbornly high, local success stories like Programa OLA demonstrate that targeted, well-coordinated interventions can deliver real and lasting change – one family at a time.
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