Izquierda Unida Canaria (IUC) has launched an urgent call to the Government of the Canary Islands to act immediately in the face of the growing housing crisis affecting university or vocational training students, particularly those who come from non-capital islands such as La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, La Graciosa and Lanzarote.
The political formation proposes the construction of more public student residences on the capital islands, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with the aim of alleviating the economic pressure suffered by thousands of young Canarians who wish to access higher education.
“The situation is unsustainable. We cannot allow our young people, especially those from working families and in vulnerable situations, to have to give up their academic future because they cannot afford rent on the capital islands. The Government of the Canary Islands has the responsibility to guarantee that higher education is accessible to everyone, regardless of their place of residence or economic situation”, declared Luisa Tamayo, National Coordinator of IUC.
Housing crisis and its impact on students
The housing crisis that is hitting the Canary Islands has especially impacted young people, who are in a situation of extreme precariousness in order to access affordable housing. The rental market has seen a disproportionate increase in prices, making it practically impossible for many students to find a place to live. This situation is aggravated in the case of those who come from non-capital islands, who are forced to move to Tenerife or Gran Canaria to continue their training, facing inflated rental prices, housing shortages and the absence of affordable alternatives.
For the formation, this phenomenon is deepening educational and socioeconomic inequalities in the archipelago. Many of the families of these students belong to the working class, which adds economic pressure that in many cases makes it impossible for them to access higher education. As a result, some young people choose to abandon their studies or take on debt to be able to afford accommodation, compromising their future and perpetuating the social gap.
Proposed solution: more public student residences
Faced with this serious problem, Izquierda Unida Canaria proposes a strategic plan for the construction of public university residences in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with an offer of affordable and accessible places for students from non-capital islands. These residences, according to the formation, should be especially aimed at young people from working families and in vulnerable situations, guaranteeing that access to higher education does not depend on the place of origin or economic capacity.
“The construction of public university residences would not only solve part of the housing problem for students, but would also contribute to a more equitable education. We need to guarantee that no Canarian student sees their academic future truncated for not being able to afford decent housing during their university stage”, Tamayo underlines.
IUC points out that these residences must be designed under criteria of sustainability and social welfare, incorporating basic services such as dining rooms, libraries and study spaces, as well as psychosocial support mechanisms for those students who need it.
“Every day that passes without the Government taking measures is a day in which more young people see their dreams cut short. Education cannot be a privilege only for those who can afford it. It is a right of everyone, and it is our responsibility to guarantee that no young person is left behind because of real estate speculation”, concluded the coordinator of IUC.
