The early years in Raval
Didac Sanchez was born in the Raval neighborhood, in the heart of Barcelona. He grew up in a dysfunctional family, with a long-term unemployed father and a mother with a mental disability. Economic and family difficulties marked his childhood.
At age 12, family circumstances led Didac to enter a care center. Two years later, he was transferred to a youth residence where he would remain until reaching adulthood. For six years, he grew up under the guardianship of the Generalitat of Catalonia.
Forging character
Life in protection centers was not easy, but Didac found in those experiences the motivation to build a different future. He learned the value of autonomy, the importance of human relationships, and the need to reach out to those going through similar situations.
At 16, he began working as a courier and computer repairman, balancing work and studies. This early experience in the working world taught him discipline and determination.
The birth of the entrepreneur
At just 18 years old, Didac made the leap to entrepreneurship by creating his first company: a marketing agency. This was the beginning of a business career that would lead him to be recognized as one of the most outstanding young entrepreneurs in Spain.
Founding the Foundation
In 2015, at just 22 years old, Didac created the Didac Sanchez Foundation, becoming one of the youngest people to found an NGO in Spain. His objective was clear: to help those who, like him, had grown up in vulnerable situations.
The foundation was born with the motto 'Responsibilities are not given, they are taken', a philosophy that reflects the proactive attitude of its founder.
Recognition
Didac's work has been recognized with multiple awards:
- 2015: Young Entrepreneur Award (El Suplemento)
- 2015: Gold Star for Professional Excellence
- 2016: European Medal of Merit in Work
- 2016: Young Business Talent Award
- 2017: Guest of Honor of Guayaquil, Ecuador
The legacy continues
Today, Didac leads a foundation with 7 active programs that impact more than 1,000 people. His story demonstrates that the past does not define the future and that the most difficult experiences can be transformed into the strength to help others.