The representative, Nohely Fernández, appeals for the cessation of “political conflicts” and calls for “solidarity and compassion” towards those impacted.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Members of the educational community from CEIP La Laguna, located in Llanos de Aridane (La Palma), have urged the Canary Islands Parliament this Friday to hasten the reconstruction of the facility, which suffered damage during the volcanic eruption. They are requesting the transfer of powers from the Ministry of Education of the Canary Islands Government to the Cabildo.
“Those who do not reside in La Palma and have not been affected by the volcanic eruption cannot fathom what it is like to endure an eruption, and what the children have experienced and are currently facing. Therefore, today I appeal for solidarity and understanding and ask that we refrain from political conflicts as they are unnecessary,” stated spokesperson Nohely Fernández during an address before the Education commission, prompted by the Socialist Group.
She noted that her proposal already holds the backing of over 6,000 signatures recorded in Parliament and lamented the communication void with the Ministry and the firm responsible for drafting the project, despite assurances of having a “voice” in the reconstruction proceedings.
Fernández expressed disappointment over the Minister of Education, Poli Suárez, who failed to stay and listen to her account, exiting the commission after the deputies’ questioning session. She emphasised that the current design “bears no resemblance” to the previous school or its rural surroundings and further critiqued the absence of guaranteed budget allocation for the coming year, as the Government incorporates it into an undefined pool.
She highlighted the sentiment within the school community, stating, “They possess hope and enthusiasm to triumph over the volcano by returning to their original location,” questioning why the work cannot be expedited through emergency procedures, as has been done in other projects across Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, and Tazacorte.
Additionally, she pointed out that the modular classrooms currently used for instruction cost €14,980 per month “which is funded by all taxpayers in the Canary Islands,” with a cumulative expenditure already totalling €389,480. “Are you truly going to allow what is temporary to become everlasting?” she queried.
The spokesperson asserted that the emergency situation “can be justified” and mentioned the commitment from Cabildo President Sergio Rodríguez to commence the work, provided the Ministry effectuates the transfer of powers.
MODULAR CLASSROOMS FALL SHORT OF REQUIREMENTS
She stated that the existing modular classrooms “do not meet the standards of a school” as they are situated next to a sociocultural centre that has been “taken” from the neighbours, which previously hosted private lessons, troupe rehearsals, folk group activities, and numerous workshops.
“We believe that we must return to our neighbourhood as swiftly as possible. This is not only for ourselves but also for the affected neighbours of Retamar, who have welcomed us with open arms, yet are impacted by our presence,” she explained.
Fernández demanded a “clear response” from the deputies to ensure the school’s reconstruction at a time when the La Laguna neighbourhood “is revitalising.” “It is disheartening to walk through the streets of La Laguna and witness that everything is being rebuilt except for our school,” she added.
In that regard, she voiced her concern that the project may end up “shelved, losing the beautiful essence of the school,” ultimately resulting in each student attending a different establishment.
