Expats in Spain: Canarias Enhances Support for Students with Special Needs and Addresses Social Crises

In the Canary Islands, several significant developments are underway, reflecting the region's commitment to improving the lives of its residents, particularly in the areas of education and social welfare.

Enhanced Support for Students with Special Needs

The Canary Islands' Department of Education has made substantial strides in supporting students with special educational needs. As of the current academic year, the department is providing extraordinary resources to over 4,689 students, a notable increase of 1,689 students compared to the previous year. This expansion is part of a broader effort to improve the inclusion and equity in education.

Pol Suárez, the regional head of education, highlighted these advancements during a recent meeting with the Education Commission of the Parliament. Suárez emphasized that the department now employs 1,076 non-teaching professionals, including auxiliary nurses, workshop assistants, and specialists in Spanish sign language. These personnel are crucial in ensuring that students with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), severe behavioral disorders, or special health conditions, receive the necessary support.

However, Suárez also acknowledged the need for further improvements, such as updating the normative framework for specific educational support needs (NEAE) and finalizing the contracting process for the personnel attending to these students. The current contract, which was left in a state of nullity since March 2021, has led to exponential budget increases, from €3 million in 2016 to €16 million in 2023. The goal is to streamline the management model and enable Canarias to access up to 85% of European funds, thereby extending support to more students.

Addressing Social Crises and Poverty

Beyond educational reforms, the Canary Islands are grappling with a profound social crisis. Liberación Canaria, a social justice organization, has proposed an urgent pact to eradicate poverty in the archipelago. The statistics are alarming: approximately 750,000 people live in poverty or are at risk of social exclusion, with over 200,000 suffering from severe poverty.

The proposed pact includes several key measures:

• Economic Diversification: Reducing dependence on tourism and promoting sectors like technology, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and agro-food industries.
• Education and Training: Increasing investment in quality education and vocational training to prepare youth for new economic sectors.
• Employment Policies: Encouraging the creation of stable and quality employment, with a focus on vulnerable groups and prioritizing local hiring.
• Reducing Inequalities: Implementing progressive fiscal measures and reinforcing support for families at risk.
• Access to Housing: Developing effective policies to ensure dignified and accessible housing.
• Health and Well-being: Improving access to psychological support services to mitigate the effects of economic stress.
• Child Poverty: Implementing programs to ensure children's access to quality education, health, and nutrition.

Liberación Canaria also advocates for greater fiscal autonomy for the Canary Islands, suggesting a unique fiscal agreement that would allow the archipelago to design policies tailored to its needs. This includes a potential change in the EU status from an Outermost Region (RUP) to an Overseas Country or Territory (PTU), which could reduce dependence on the single market and alleviate economic impacts on low-income families.

Reconstruction Efforts Post-Volcanic Eruption

In addition to these social and educational initiatives, the Canary Islands are also focused on reconstruction efforts following the volcanic eruption in Los Llanos de Aridane. The mayor, Javier Llamas, recently showcased the progress in reconstruction to the Spanish government's commissioner for reconstruction, Héctor Izquierdo. The visit highlighted recent works in areas such as Callejón del La Gata, the surroundings of La Laguna, and the Los Ángeles cemetery.

Llamas emphasized the importance of continued central government support to maintain the pace of recovery. The municipality has secured €5 million from the Spanish government for 2024 and is exploring additional funding through a second agreement or addendum to the initial contract. The reconstruction efforts aim to improve the quality of life for the affected population and restore what was lost due to the volcanic eruption.

These developments underscore the Canary Islands' commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the region, from enhancing educational support to tackling deep-seated social and economic issues, and rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters.