The initiative, conducted annually, primarily aims to alleviate the financial burden on families in La Gomera, enabling students to commence the academic term with the necessary resources. This measure has been established for over two decades, creating a model of universal support for the island's students and households.
The president of the island corporation, Casimiro Curbelo, emphasized the institution's commitment to educational equity. "We aim for no student to face barriers in accessing the essential means for their education," he stated, adding that the initiative seeks to support families and guarantee the materials required by students.
Curbelo recalled that this action is part of a continuous policy of support for La Gomera students throughout their educational journey. He also mentioned the provision of study grants, which this year include aid for rent, as well as support for mobility programs like Erasmus and SICUE, free transportation, and agreements with universities such as the University of La Laguna, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and UNED.
The island's Education Minister, Rosa Elena García, highlighted the close collaboration with the management teams of educational centers. "The centers themselves inform us of the materials students require, allowing us to organize procurement efficiently and adapt to the specific needs of each institution," she explained.
Furthermore, García noted that the textbook loan system facilitates their reuse over several academic years. "This model not only ensures that materials reach all students but also promotes more efficient resource use and fosters responsible book care," she pointed out.
Textbooks are purchased through local bookstores in La Gomera. Consequently, public investment aimed at ensuring universal access to educational materials directly contributes to revitalizing the island's commerce, strengthening the insular economy while combining support for students with the promotion of commercial activity.
