From November 8 to 10, the city of Avilés (Spain) hosted the XIX Friendship Congress organized by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Parents of Students of Augustinian Schools (FAGAPA). 
Under the motto “Families in connection and harmony”.. The event gathered 107 participants from 20 schools of the Augustinian Family in Spain. The event was a privileged space to reflect on educational challenges, promote Augustinian values and strengthen ties between school and religious communities.
A congress to build community
The Congress, organized in collaboration with the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo (Augustinian Missionary Nuns) and its Mothers and Fathers Association, sought to foster family coexistence and unify the educational plans of the Augustinian schools. 
In addition, it allowed to deepen in the philosophy of St. Augustine as a guide for life and education.
The opening took place on Friday 8, with the reception of the attendees and the celebration of the FAGAPA Board of Directors, where the calendar of activities for the 2024-2025 academic year was approved.
Inspirational presentations
Saturday began with the official inauguration, presided over by Mr. Juan Carlos García, Councilor for Education of the City Council of Avilés, who highlighted the commitment of the Augustinian families to integral education. The day included a moment of remembrance for the victims of the recent DANA.
The first presentation, entitled “Minors on-line, parents and educators off-line?”, was given by Laura Davara Fernández de Marcos, an expert in cybersecurity. Her intervention underlined the need for parents to be aware of social networks and the digital environment where their children interact, promoting responsible use.
Next, Amaya de Miguel Sanz gave a talk on “The five keys to achieve a harmonious family”, providing strategies to resolve family conflicts from a positive and constructive perspective.
After the presentations, the attendees visited the facilities of the host school and enjoyed a traditional Asturian lunch accompanied by music and regional dances. The evening culminated with a sightseeing tour of the historic center of Avilés, followed by an elegant gala dinner that included a poetic-musical show.
A step forward in the commitment of families to Augustinian education
Sunday began with the Eucharist celebrated in the church of St. Nicholas of Bari, presided over by the Archbishop of Oviedo, Msgr. Jesús Sanz Montes, and enlivened by the singing of the choir of the host school.
In the conclusions of the congress, presented by Sr. María Paz Martín de la Mata, the importance of union and collaboration between families, schools and religious communities to face the current challenges of education was highlighted. 
In addition, it was announced that the 20th Friendship Congress will be held in Zaragoza in 2026, at the Colegio San Agustín.
The XIX Congress of Friendship closed successfully, consolidating the commitment of the Augustinian Family of Spain to an education that fosters connection, harmony and human values.
