Students in their fourth, fifth, and sixth years of Primary at the Luis Álvarez Cruz school in Las Galletas (Arona) will be sending letters of support to educational establishments affected by DANA in Valencia. These heartfelt messages are crafted by children aged between 9 and 11 years, and they will be forwarded to the regional Ministry of Education for distribution to the impacted neighbourhoods, towns, and cities.
The initiative to compose these encouraging notes, adorned with colourful hearts, Spanish flags, symbols of Valencia and victory, drawings of individuals forming a circle while holding hands, and even emblems of the Valencia Football Club, was inspired by the students themselves. They proposed the idea to their tutors, receiving immediate backing from the entire teaching staff.
Most of the students hold foreign nationalities, with many originating from Latin American countries. The Aronero school epitomises the coexistence of pupils from diverse backgrounds, exemplifying the cultural diversity in the south of Tenerife that has emerged following a significant migratory influx in recent years.
This relationship, rooted in tolerance and nurtured by both parents and educators, is reflected in the letters directed towards the children of Valencia. Lucía expresses, “I will help them to have a new home, which will be my home, and the same goes for food; everything here will feel like it belongs to you.” Arón shares his feelings of “sadness” and his eagerness to “assist in any way,” while noting that “here in the south of Tenerife, it doesn’t rain much, and it’s a very peaceful place.”
Saúl wishes he could send “millions of euros, but I can only offer all my food,” while Elanis notes that the images of devastation broadcasted on television recently “break our hearts,” but reassures that “they will overcome this.” Santiago expresses his desire to “visit them to meet and help them,” whereas Tiara declares, “God and the world are with you; you are a resilient people, I care for you dearly, Valencians.” Thus, dozens of letters are signed by Alex, Vanessa, Victoria, Camilo, Claudio, María José, Elisabeth, Paulino… all embodying a shared theme of empathy and solidarity with fellow children who faced an unfortunate calamity one fateful day.
