All boys and girls who come to the Home and School must know and comply with a set of rules and regulations. The basic guidelines are as follows:
1. The young people who are going to live in the Casa Escuela Santiago must comply with the timetables and rules set out at the beginning of the term, as well as accept the variations that are made in the Assembly or by decision of the team of educators.
2. In cases of offences such as robbery, drugs, violence, etc., we proceed as the law states. We are not complicit to any type of harm or injury to others. On the other hand, if any of the people living in the Home and School have such problems, they are not abandoned at any time. They are accompanied in the necessary processes. Students have to learn the consequences of their actions, but this should not affect the affection they are given, as they must also be assured that they are loved unconditionally, just the way they are. We help them not to lose confidence and hope in themselves.
3. Here one person’s problem is everyone’s problem. When something is said in private, it must be respected. Rumours are cleared up in the Assembly where everything can be discussed. Secrets are difficult and each person is expected to be able to cope with his or her life.
4. They have to fulfil the tasks assigned to them. It is necessary to get used to being responsible study-wise, at work, regarding household chores in order to be independent, etc. The bed has to be made every morning, the cleaning has to be done, the table has to be set and things have to be put in the dishwasher during the week, and once a week the cleaning has to be done thoroughly.
5. If the student does not make the bed or the room is untidy, a cleaning person will do it and charge a fee. Things must be done properly, if people are too lazy do do them they must pay somebody else to do it, like the pampered do
6. To learn to live well and with dignity, even if they don’t have much money, they have to take care of the house in which they live and, whatever little or a lot they have, they have to share it. They will have more than they need and enough for a very good education if they take care of it. That is why everyone knows that what they break, they have to pay for.
7. Punctuality is required. It is a form of respect for the group. Failure to do so has consequences. For example: if you are late for study, you stay more time to make up for it; if you are late for lunch, you don’t get to eat; if you are late at the weekend, you don’t go out the following weekend,…
8. Activities are for everyone. If they think something is good, it is offered to everyone. There is usually the possibility to choose between several alternatives, to cover different interests, but what is not allowed is to do nothing. The opinions expressed in the Assemblies are taken into account, except for those that are unjustified. The person who knows the most about each issue or who knows how to express it best, decides and convinces.
9. Everyone has to stick to timetables for classes or work, reading, study and workshops. You cannot be in the Home doing something else. Guests must also be incorporated into the institution’s programme. Otherwise, they must leave.
10. The spiritual dimension is crucial. They should participate in the meetings that the Christian community holds at Sunday mass. Communion with the Faith is not mandatory, but there is a time for reflection and experiences that help everyone. This is also done with the Muslim community that meets to read the Quran, celebrate Ramadan or other festivities.
11. In order to appreciate the advantages of association, they organise courses, workshops, parties, camping trips, trips, etc. These are offered to people from outside, and a symbolic amount is charged so that the boys and girls realise the value of the opportunities and what can be achieved by doing things well. Strength comes from unity and not from going alone. They can make the most out of schooling, even coming from underprivileged families with scarce resources. It is so good that it is in everyone’s interest, from privileged families to university students. We created the Association so that you can belong to it even if you don’t live in the Home. We don’t want to be marginalised or excluded from what is happening in the world because we are young.
12. They are aiming for “cultural exploitation” to compensate for the little time devoted to good training for many of the new arrivals. They are willing to be a “university school” that competes with the big institutions in educational quality and in meeting social interests and needs.
13. Those over 18 may be in a negotiated period of active and rigorous job search, or in a stable period of study or work.