The competition, held at the Casas Consistoriales, concluded with the victory of IES José Zerpa over IES Vecindario, which secured second place. This edition also saw the participation of IES Gran Canaria, IES Tamogante, and IES Doctoral, involving a total of 27 students since its inception on March 3.
This municipal-level competition, unique in the Canary Islands, focused on the timely question of whether the archipelago can be considered a success story in the integration of its migrant population. Teams debated for or against the proposition, chosen by draw, fostering a rich exchange of diverse arguments.
“"In our islands, emigration is a desk-mate, a neighbor, it is me."
The IES Vecindario team argued in favor of inclusion, drawing on personal experiences and the value of intercultural coexistence, highlighting progress in inclusive policies. Conversely, IES José Zerpa focused on the persistent challenges.
“"Inclusion often turns into waiting, precariousness, and exclusion."
The jury particularly valued the argumentative strength, refutation skills, and stage presence of the winning team, who prevailed in a very close final debate. Before the final, the mayor, Francisco García, congratulated the students and teachers involved, emphasizing the value of debate as a democratic tool for dialogue and problem-solving. The Education Councilor, Mario Bordón, highlighted collective learning, stating that debating involves listening, understanding, and moving forward together.
The winning team received a prize of 1,200 euros, while IES Vecindario received 900 euros. Third place went to IES Doctoral and fourth to IES Gran Canaria, with 400 euros awarded to each participating team. The event attracted a large audience, including family members, teachers, and institutional representatives, solidifying its role as a key platform for promoting critical thinking and youth participation in the municipality.
