The Rotario room, located in the pediatric oncology area of the Materno-Infantil Hospital of Gran Canaria, transforms into an educational space where books and treatments coexist. This environment, promoted by the education and health departments, aims to make the hospital stay as stress-free as possible for minors, offering support that goes beyond academics.
“"We do more than just teach in a hospital."
The work of teachers in these classrooms adapts to the physical and emotional condition of each student. Classes can be group-based in common rooms or individual “bedside,” always coordinated with nursing staff and doctors. The goal is to foster socialization and provide a sense of normalcy, helping children escape from their illness.
The hospital educational care network in the Canary Islands has eight classrooms and units, and approximately 15 specialized teachers. During the 2025-2026 academic year, more than 1,500 educational interventions have been recorded, covering from Early Childhood Education to Baccalaureate and Vocational Training. This service is essential to maintain academic ties and facilitate the reintegration of students into their original schools.
“"We accompany students through teaching so that they go through the process in the least stressful way possible."
The work of the teachers, who are part of the therapeutic team, also extends to supporting families, who find in this service a way to reduce concerns about the impact of illness on their children's school year. Although the service has been operating since the nineties, many people are still unaware of the existence of these hospital classrooms in the Canary Islands, highlighting the importance of dates like National Hospitalized Child's Day to raise awareness of this work.
