The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Department of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, and the Lanzarote Island Council, are exploring the possibility of establishing a second Special Education Center (CEE) on the island. This initiative seeks to address the current student over-enrollment at the CEE Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes, located in Tahíche.
The regional minister, Poli Suárez, announced during his appearance before the Education Commission in the Parliament of the Canary Islands that both administrations are evaluating the transfer of use of a building in Puerto del Carmen, municipality of Tías. This property currently houses the Island Space for Inclusion and Social Welfare.
Technicians from both institutions believe the Puerto del Carmen property meets the necessary conditions to be adapted as a second CEE. The director of the CEE Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes and representatives of the educational community have already visited the facilities and view this possibility favorably.
Suárez reaffirmed the Department's commitment to the educational community, assuring that active work is underway to find a solution that meets the students' educational and care needs. He emphasized that despite obstacles to the initially planned expansion, the goal of improving facilities remains.
The inability to proceed with the expansion of the current center is due to administrative issues concerning the plot of land initially ceded by the Teguise City Council. Urban planning reports indicate the building is in a 'non-conforming' legal status, preventing volume or height increases. Consequently, the Department halted the project's drafting process.
The Puerto del Carmen option could offer a quicker response, provided the necessary documentation is processed and a usage agreement with the Island Council is finalized. Concurrently, alternatives to improve the existing center's facilities will be sought.
The Director General of Infrastructure and Equipment, Iván G. Carro, will hold a meeting next week with the Teguise City Council and the Island Council to explore various options and move towards a viable and legally sound solution.
