At 14 years old, Walid Elmansouri embarked on a journey from Nador (Morocco) in search of a brighter future. After a four-day dinghy crossing without provisions, he was rescued by Salvamento Marítimo along with 49 other people, reaching the shores of Lanzarote. His arrival in the archipelago as a minor led him to a reception center, and upon turning 18, he faced the uncertainty experienced by hundreds of young migrants when they cease to be under the guardianship of the Canary Islands Government.
“"Of course I was scared, but in the dinghy I kept telling myself we were going to make it."
To offer an alternative to this situation, the Department of Social Welfare of the Canary Islands Government launched the Urdimbre. Challenges towards Employment program. This initiative, which began in 2025, connects Canarian companies with young migrant former wards, providing them with job opportunities and the chance to build a life project in the islands. More than twenty entities are already collaborating, and around 1,500 young people have benefited, with 700 of them directly hired in sectors such as construction, hospitality, agriculture, and automotive.
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Francis Candil, explains that the program arose from the saturation of reception resources in the islands, which cared for over 6,000 migrant minors. The initiative aims to prevent these young people from becoming vulnerable upon reaching adulthood. Walid, after residing in several youth centers in Gran Canaria, decided to stay in the islands and currently lives in a center for former wards in Valleseco, managed by the Engloba entity.
“"I told them no, I wanted to stay here. I know everything here, I have friends... It would be very difficult for me to go to the mainland now, where I don't know anyone or how life is there. Also, the people of the Canary Islands seem very friendly to me."
Despite initial difficulties, such as the language barrier while studying at El Batán institute, Walid has managed to communicate perfectly in Spanish. He is currently pursuing a Basic Vocational Training degree in Electricity and Electronics at IES Felo Monzón. It was during his internships that the Urdimbre program entered his life, facilitating a job interview with the company FCC, where he has been working for a year with great performance.
Yanira Ojeda, Human Resources technician at FCC, highlights the progress of young people like Walid, who demonstrate great commitment. The company, which offers cleaning and maintenance services, joined the program to contribute and meet the demand for labor. The Urdimbre project continues to expand, signing new agreements with groups such as RIU, ARI, and Femete, and has provided employment to 42 former wards in Gran Canaria alone.
Walid's dream is to continue working and studying, with plans to pursue a higher degree in electricity and obtain a driving license. His main goal is to own a house and always be able to help his family, with whom he speaks daily. His story is an example of overcoming adversity and how the Urdimbre program offers a vital opportunity to young migrants in the Canary Islands.
