Visits to the Museum of Olive Culture in Jaén were part of a program for disadvantaged children from Spain and Saharan children who were hosted by local families this summer.
The children participated in various olive oil education activities, including one known as “Know our olive grove,” which included a breakfast of typical products from the region, a guided museum tour and an initiation to olive oil tasting.
The aim of the project was to provide education surrounding the healthy food to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about its benefits, history and the importance of the product to the region.
The La Caixa foundation, run by the Spanish bank of the same name, acts to promote change in a number of sectors, including poverty and social exclusion, young people, health and culture and environment. This project is among the many projects organized by the foundation to benefit social welfare.
The Museum of Olive Culture, located in Hacienda La Laguna and built in the mid 19th century, not only plays host to these type of educational programs, but also allows visitors to see and learn about the evolution of olive pressing over the years. The opportunity to learn more about the types, qualities and uses of olives and olive oil is also offered to the public.
Olive oil tasting workshops are also held regularly, for children such as in the La Caixa project, but also for anyone interested in developing a more in-depth knowledge of extra virgin olive oil. The museum will also commence workshops for schools from September in its effort to provide a wider education surrounding the olive oil heritage of the region.
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