Projects

Spanish classes for migrants

Since the creation of migrant camps in early 2020 in the municipality of La Laguna (Las Raíces, Las Canteras), thousands of migrants arriving from the African continent have passed through these spaces, survivors of the Canary Islands migration route. The human tragedy of this route, once they reach the archipelago, results in constant uncertainty. In this regard, we have observed that communication can mitigate these circumstances, as it facilitates mutual understanding and interaction between the local and migrant communities.

Aware of this need, the Project, promoted by CEAULL, began in May 2021, with the support of the University of La Laguna, which provides the spaces and school materials. A team of volunteer teachers, both professionals and interns, attends to the students in each session, and in turn, the students participate in specific recreational, interactive, and mutual learning projects and activities that involve other members of the community.

Goals

  • To promote basic and/or intermediate level knowledge of Spanish among the newly arrived African migrant community in the Canary Islands, as well as an introduction to social and cultural issues.
  • To allow a more productive and fluid cultural exchange, of a horizontal nature, between the local and migrant communities.
  • To provide a space for humanization for migrants and mutual enrichment for all agents involved.

Results
The initiative has been very well received. Students are highly engaged in their training, and volunteer teachers experience moments of great professional enrichment. Furthermore, it also proves to be a valuable resource for university students interested in teaching and language instruction.

Contact
Paula Fernández Hernández
pfernanh@ull.edu.es

Social and sporting encounters with migrants

Project Objectives
1.- To develop the social inclusion of the migrant community through physical activity and sport
2. To offer university students the possibility of applying their learning in an intercultural context.
3.- Expand the social identity of the participants by offering a service that responds to a social need.
4. Practice healthy lifestyle habits

Project lines of action

  • Football training sessions, led by sports instructors, and inclusion of unaccompanied migrant children in local teams collaborating with the project
  • Inclusion of unaccompanied migrant children in local athletics and basketball clubs collaborating with the project
  • Organization of recreational activities and sporting events that promote social inclusion and knowledge of our environment

Entities collaborating in the development of this Project

  • Center for African Studies
  • Research and Innovation Group in Physical Activity and Sport
  • Tenerife Sports Club Foundation
  • ULL Sports Service
  • Island Council of Tenerife
  • Casa África
  • Coromoto
  • DFC Padre Anchieta
  • D. Taco San Luis
  • D. San Fernando
  • D. Puerto Cruz
  • Juventud Laguna Basketball Club
  • Aguere Athletics Club
  • Quorum Social 77 Tenerife
  • Coliseum Association
  • New Future Association Tenerife