Barcelona’s Poble-sec neighborhood is undergoing a quiet revolution, driven not by large-scale urban planning, but by the grassroots efforts of one man: Hatim Azahri. The 27-year-classic Moroccan-born activist is breathing recent life into neglected spaces, turning them into vibrant hubs for community and sport, and earning recognition for his dedication to youth empowerment. Azahri’s work, rooted in a personal experience with limited opportunities, is now being celebrated with the 2026 Princess of Girona Social Award, a testament to his impact on the city.
Azahri’s journey began with a simple act of frustration. As a young resident of Poble-sec, he witnessed a police intervention involving 15 teenagers who had scaled a school wall to play futsal due to a lack of accessible sporting facilities. This incident, as reported by El País, served as a catalyst for change. He recognized a systemic gap in resources for young people in his neighborhood and, alongside three friends, founded the association Joves Units del Poble-Sec.
Joves Units del Poble-Sec doesn’t simply build facilities. it revitalizes existing, abandoned spaces. Their approach, described as a “translation” of community needs into actionable administrative language, has proven remarkably effective. The association secured €380,000 in investment to renovate the Jardins de les Tres Chimeneas, transforming it from an underutilized area into a multi-generational space featuring basketball courts and calisthenics zones, according to Bladi.net. This success was replicated at the Pavelló Italià, a large space near Montjuïc, now hosting regular training sessions for all ages.
From Personal Experience to Community Action
Azahri’s commitment stems from his own experiences growing up in Poble-sec after arriving in Barcelona at the age of two. He recalls a stark contrast between the opportunities available in other Barcelona neighborhoods, like the Palau Alós in the Gothic Quarter or the Espai Jove La Fontana in Gràcia, and the lack of similar resources in his own community. This disparity fueled his determination to create a space where young people could thrive. As El Periódico reported in March 2025, Azahri credits supportive teachers at the Escola Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer for helping him overcome barriers and pursue his education.
More Than Just Infrastructure: A “Neighborhood Politics” Approach
For Azahri, the work of Joves Units del Poble-Sec extends beyond simply providing sporting facilities. It’s about “doing neighborhood politics,” tackling social isolation and precarity through self-managed sports programs. He believes that access to these spaces empowers young people and fosters a sense of belonging. The association’s success has been so significant that a new, permanent municipal sports complex is already planned for completion by the end of 2026.
Although, Azahri remains vigilant, stating his intention to continue “putting pressure” on local administrations to address inequalities and ensure that a lack of community spaces doesn’t develop into normalized. He understands that sustained effort and advocacy are crucial to maintaining the momentum and ensuring that the benefits reach all residents of Poble-sec.
The impact of Azahri’s work is clear: a revitalized neighborhood, empowered youth, and a model for community-led development. As Poble-sec continues to evolve, Hatim Azahri’s dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of grassroots activism and the importance of investing in the next generation.
What comes next for Joves Units del Poble-Sec will depend on continued collaboration with the city and the ongoing needs of the community. Azahri’s commitment to challenging the status quo suggests that his work will continue to shape the future of Poble-sec for years to come. Share your thoughts on this inspiring story in the comments below.
