Patronato Universitario

It may just seem like a vocational training center in Valencia, but Xabec is much more than that. It was founded in 2003 to help people at risk of exclusion, to support them, train them, and help them regain their dreams. Its motto reflects its vital goal: “Xabec, your lifelong school.” Its main activity is to train people for employment by offering vocational training at intermediate and advanced levels. Xabec started modestly, as many great stories do. The project was initiated by the Eifor Foundation, beginning with a successful tower crane course. Gradually, with much effort and support, they expanded their training portfolio. In 2010, they reached a milestone that marked the center’s identity with the signing of the educational agreement to state-regulated training. Years later, they introduced part-time learning, the ProjexXs teaching methodology, and in 2017, they created the Placement Agency and Employment and Training Pool. By 2024, over 1,500 students will have been trained at Xabec, and their teaching model has earned awards such as the Bertelsmann Foundation Award, the European Commission Award, and the Generalitat Valenciana Award for Innovation Recognition.

Throughout these years, the Fundación Patronato Universitario has supported Xabec’s growth with loans for building facilities and for student scholarships. Xebec is more than just another vocational training center in the Valencian Community. For many, it is a home where they welcome many immigrants and help them settle in our country. They offer assistance with learning the language, understanding local customs, and adapting to the city of Valencia and its roots. At Xabec, they believe that everyone deserves a chance. As one of the Foundation’s criteria states, “It is not enough to lack a profit motive; the project must be sound and serve to help people. The Foundation aims to help where ordinary financial institutions cannot.” With this spirit, Xabec was founded 21 years ago, and this spirit remains as alive as ever. Today, thousands of students are proud of this Valencian center’s impact on their lives. The story of Haruna Garba—to be found in the “Testimonials” section on Luis Valls’ website—could be typical: a Togolese who was welcomed at Xabec more than a decade ago and who says it “changed his life” today smiles as he retells his story, grateful for all the good this institution has done for him. Haruna’s case is not unique; there are thousands of witnesses to this beautiful reality. Xabec may seem like a vocational training center, but it is much, much more.