Tafalla Iron Foundry S. Coop. had the privilege of welcoming a group of curious and enthusiastic 4th-year ESO students from Liceo Monjardín. This visit wasn’t just a regular field trip—it was an opportunity to connect academic learning with hands-on experience in the world of industrial cooperatives.
Liceo Monjardín, a cooperative associated with ANEL, stands out for its innovative focus on Social Economy and Cooperativism. Their visit to our facilities was part of EdukaCoop, a program designed to inspire Navarre’s youth to embrace cooperative values and understand the impact of Social Economy in building a sustainable future.
A journey through iron and innovation
With safety gear on and questions ready, the students embarked on an exploration of our production processes. Guided by our dedicated team, they witnessed the fascinating transformation of raw iron into finished products.
From the roar of the furnaces melting iron to the precision of molding and casting, and the meticulous attention in quality inspections, they saw every step that goes into creating the high-quality pieces Tafalla Iron Foundry exports to global markets, including the United States, Germany, and Brazil.
Their visit wasn’t just about observing machines and processes. It was about understanding how a cooperative like ours creates value—not only in the products we manufacture but also in the way we operate.
Learning from industry leaders
Our Industrial Director, Jose Antonio Molina, and Industrial Engineer Javier Álvarez, who happens to be a proud alumnus of Liceo Monjardín, shared their knowledge and passion for the industry. They explained the challenges and opportunities of working in a sector that combines tradition and innovation.
Ignacio Ugalde, President of ANEL and HR Director at Tafalla Iron Foundry, introduced students to the core principles of Social Economy, such as democratic management and equitable profit-sharing. These principles ensure that everyone in the cooperative has a voice and a stake in its success.
Meanwhile, Lucas Álvarez, President of our Governing Council, offered insights into how worker-members actively participate in strategic decision-making. This unique model not only fosters collaboration but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability and social justice—values that align closely with Liceo Monjardín’s educational philosophy.
Inspiring the next generation
This visit was part of the broader framework of Navarre’s III Comprehensive Plan for Social Economy, which aims to promote cooperative values and principles among younger generations.
For the students, it was a day filled with inspiration, as they saw firsthand how the values of cooperativism—teamwork, equity, and responsibility—are put into action in a real industrial setting. For us, it was a chance to share our passion and commitment to building a better future through collaboration.
We hope this experience sparks ideas and motivation for these young leaders as they chart their own paths. Perhaps some of them will go on to contribute to the cooperative movement, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our shared mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
To the students and teachers of Liceo Monjardín: thank you for spending the day with us and for your curiosity and enthusiasm. We’re proud to have been part of your learning journey.
