A boost to generational renewal in the 87 classified trades of Tenerife. This is the purpose of the initiative by the Tenerife Island Council, presented this Monday at the Noble Hall, to offer ten training workshops this summer, four this month and the other six in September, with a break in August, to bring craftsmanship closer to young people. The project, called TTJoven (Trending Young Tradition), is developed through the Island’s Youth Houses Network and is driven by the Employment and Education areas; Youth and Equality and Diversity, as well as the Ibero-American Craft Museum (MAIT). The event was chaired by councillors Efraín Medina and Serafín Mesa, accompanied by the manager of the Insular Craft Company, Ricardo Cólogan.
Efraín Medina explains that this activity began with a survey among young people, through a voting questionnaire to check the interest. This tool allowed the participation of 215 young people who found traditional artisan trades attractive. The main objective of the program is to bring them closer and promote them among this population segment and thus preserve heritage and cultural values for the future.
Medina advocated for a path towards “a productive artisan model” above the concept of a hobby that “combines both traditional craftsmanship and innovative craftsmanship related to emerging economic sectors”. An example of the change in consumption parameters now more focused on “sensations”. Both among the resident population and visitors. He emphasized that linking the activity as a youth employment niche “is a commitment of the Council and its president, Rosa Dávila“. He praised the poster of this first edition, created by Romén Acosta, linked to the island project Merkarte.
Efrain Medina recalled that within the island’s strategy, last Friday’s plenary session unanimously approved “bringing artisan knowledge to the Day and Elderly Centres” and in the future, the aim is to delve into the line of “encounters with an intergenerational meaning”.
Serafín Mesa stated that he hopes “this initial initiative continues” due to the high demand from the young population. Five workshops are planned in the North area and another five in the South – with ten participants each for better training – aimed at boys aged between 12 and 17, initially ten per workshop. Those interested can register on the website https://tenerifejovenyeduca.com/.
The calendar kicks off on the 9th with a Soap Making workshop at the Los Silos Youth House from 11:30 to 13:30. The next day, the course will be on Candle Making at the Mascareño House in Santa Cruz, from 17:00 to 19:00.
Fabric Decoration arrives on the 23rd at the Garachico Youth House from 11:30 to 13:30. On the 24th, it will be the turn of Jewellery in La Caleta (Arico) from 17:00 to 19:00.
On the 10th of September, Jewellery returns to the La Victoria de Acentejo Youth House between 17:00 and 19:00. On the 11th, Soap Making will be presented at the Guía de Isora Youth House at the same time. Also, there will be workshops on Candle Making on the 17th in Santa Úrsula and Fabric Decoration on the 18th in Santiago del Teide.
The 24th brings the Printing and Engraving workshop at the Los Realejos Youth House and the 25th Glassware at the Candelaria Youth Zone. From 17:00 to 19:00.
The programme includes as a conclusion a young artisan meeting at the Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife (MAIT) on the 28th of September.
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Seven major fairs await Tenerife’s Island craftsmen this year, about 115, who are masters in the 87 classified trades. The season kicks off with the IV Craft Market of Puerto de la Cruz. Around thirty artisans will participate for three days, from the 5th to the 7th at Reyes Católicos square.
