These awards, celebrating their third edition since their establishment in 2024, aim to highlight the commitment of individuals and entities to the migratory reality of the archipelago, encompassing both the reception of newcomers and the preservation of ties with Canary emigration.
The award ceremony will take place on September 10 at Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote. The event will bring together four distinct stories united by the idea that migration is a fundamental part of the history and present of the Canary Islands.
The Minister of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families, Candelaria Delgado, emphasized the importance of these awards in recognizing those who contribute to a more open, solidary, and aware Canary Islands regarding its migratory past. She highlighted that the autonomous community has historically been a land of emigration and is today also a land of welcome, with the awardees representing these two realities.
The distinctions cover various facets of the migratory reality: education as a tool for integration (IES El Tablero-Aguañac), solidarity and rescue of vulnerable individuals (Emerlan), support for Canary communities abroad (Fedecanarias), and the preservation of shared historical memory (Steve Alfonso Chiscano).
IES El Tablero-Aguañac, located in Gran Canaria, is awarded for its educational work in managing diversity within its classrooms, promoting coexistence, inclusion, and respect among students from over thirty nationalities. Its project 'Africa: a positive outlook' introduces students to the reality of the neighboring continent and the historical links between Canarias and Africa.
The Association of Volunteers in Emergencies and Rescue of Lanzarote (Emerlan) receives recognition for over two decades of volunteer work, rescue, and care for vulnerable individuals. Its volunteers actively participate in the Atlantic migratory route, providing support in sea rescues and humanitarian efforts on the islands.
The Federation of Canary Entities of Venezuela (Fedecanarias) is honored for its role as a meeting point for the Canary community in Venezuela, preserving Canary culture, traditions, and identity, and transmitting them to new generations. The federation also carries out significant social and health-related work.
Steve Alfonso Chiscano, a lawyer and diplomat, is recognized for his extensive work in San Antonio, Texas, to preserve and strengthen ties between the Canary Islands and the city. His efforts have promoted cultural, institutional, and economic initiatives, including the twinning of San Antonio and Lanzarote.
