SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Jan 29 (Europa Press) –
The towns of Candelaria, Granadilla, and Santa Úrsula have formally joined the network of child-friendly municipalities in the Canary Islands, an initiative promoted by UNICEF, which already includes around fifteen local entities from the archipelago.
Astrid Pérez, the President of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, has praised the programme from the organisation, which has over two decades of experience, emphasising that “children are the most treasured part of our community” and ensuring their protection and providing them with a secure living environment is of utmost importance.
Pérez has encouraged other Canarian municipalities to partake in this “wonderful initiative”, stating that “working for the welfare of children in the Canary Islands represents one of the most rewarding policies we can pursue.”
The event, held at the Regional Chamber, featured contributions from three children involved in the councils of their respective municipalities—Eiron, Nadira, and Gabriel—who expressed that it is a “very engaging experience” as they actively participate in defending children’s rights and shaping future proposals for their towns.
Olivia Pérez, the Councillor for Social Services in Candelaria, shared her “excitement” about joining this initiative, highlighting it as “an intense effort following the disruptions caused by the health pandemic”, emphasising her “duty” as a public representative to “create a better world” and to “listen” to children regarding their suggestions for improved development within the municipality.
Adam Garcia Casañas, the Councillor for Community Welfare in Granadilla, expressed his “pride” in signing this agreement, viewing it as a “recognition” of the “efforts” made by the Town Hall in support of children’s welfare.
“This accreditation signifies a historic achievement,” he remarked, and represents a “shared vision” aimed at enhancing the lives of young people. “Children are not merely the future; they are the present,” he added.
The Councillor for Sports, Leisure, Health, and Citizen Participation in Santa Úrsula indicated that the aim is to evolve into “a welcoming and beautiful city” where “children can play and adults can engage in exercise,” thus ensuring “the public spaces are designed for everyone.”
He also underscored the Town Council’s “commitment” to upholding the rights of “play”, “independence”, and “exploring public areas”.
Rosa Suárez, the President of UNICEF Canarias, emphasised that the network of child-friendly cities is “a commitment” towards safeguarding children’s rights, noting that it is “not a generic claim but one that translates into actionable steps”, which entail financial obligations and a programme for the medium and long term.
“We are nearing our first objective but face a significant journey ahead,” she mentioned, highlighting that municipalities now have a four-year timeframe to implement their programmes.
“When children thrive in their communities, everyone benefits; when children succeed, society as a whole prospers,” she concluded.
