Canary Islands Education Material Initiative

Overview

The Canary Islands government announced a major move to make textbooks and educational materials free for students starting in the 2026/2027 school year. Building on the 2025 record budget, the initiative aims to create shared public libraries of materials, promoting equality and sustainability among students across all educational stages.

Coverage

• Students from first to third grade in primary school
• Certain secondary levels
• Specific vocational training courses

Note: Some materials such as reading books, stationery, and devices are excluded.

Key Reforms and Goals

• Emphasize reusing textbooks and fostering respectful, eco-conscious use of resources.
• Reduce costs and waste.
• Schools will organize materials, adhering to set value limits.
• Verification of student participation will be automatic based on enrollment.

Management and Oversight

• Local school councils and committees will oversee the distribution, care, and return of books.
• Proper management will be ensured.

Special Provisions

• Specific provisions for students with special educational needs.
• Providing tailored materials and additional funding.

Implementation and Communication

Families will be informed about the program before the end of this academic year.

Overall Impact

• Eases financial burdens on families.
• Encourages eco-friendly habits.
• Highlights a significant step towards inclusive, sustainable education in the Canary Islands.