Canary Islands Education Strategic Plan (2024-2026)

Overview

The Spanish Canary Islands' Department of Education has approved a comprehensive strategic plan for subsidies running from 2024 to 2026, with multiple updates and modifications over the past year. This plan aims to fund a wide range of educational programs, from supporting school meal services and early childhood education to aiding in transportation and special education needs.

Key Developments

• Allocation of a significant €13 million budget to provide free school meals—covering lunches, breakfasts, and assistance during summer months—for vulnerable students, especially those in economic hardship.
• Funding for early childhood initiatives, such as subsidizing municipal preschool slots and private nursery schools, to promote early education and reduce social inequalities.
• Special attention to students with disabilities, with dedicated funds for transportation, early intervention programs, and special education units.
• Emphasis on support for family and community engagement, funding federations of parent associations and student organizations.

Objectives and Focus

The updates also reflect a focus on addressing educational inequalities and ensuring all students have access to quality education regardless of location or socio-economic background.

This strategic investment aims to:

• Foster a more inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system across the Canary Islands.
• Support both students and educational institutions amid ongoing societal and demographic challenges.