A total of nine of the 13 centers that make up the Rural Schools Collective of Lanzarote (CER) have premiered in this course 2024-25 their new dining facilities. This is a measure of family reconciliation and sustainability in which the General Directorate of Centers of the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Coordination and Project Planning Unit of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, the Biosphere Reserve, the educational community of the CER and the town councils have worked collaboratively.
In addition, in the initial stages, the company Tágora was responsible for the mediation and participation of educational communities and families within the Biosphere Schools project.
Thanks to the management of European financing, through the FEDER Conurban Azul funds, the schools have enabled spaces in their facilities for the dining service and have been equipped with furniture, appliances and the necessary utensils for this service. A total of 148 diners will have their lunches every day in their unit schools, prepared in the kitchens of the CEIP La Destila of Arrecife.
This offer is now available to the unit schools of La Vegueta, Los Valles, Soo, Tao, María Auxiliadora, Muñique, Güime, Caleta de Famara and El Cuchillo. In addition, within the framework of this project, the spaces destined for this purpose have been expanded in the CEIP Capellanía, a pioneer and reference of eco-dining room, which sees the demand from families increase every new course.
The Biosphere Reserve, as the promoting entity of the Biosphere Schools project, has provided permanent support to the communities in the process of conversation and promotion of school canteens. In this line, the responsible councilor, Samuel Martín, highlights that "it is not only about giving support to homes but also about the complementary transmission of sustainability values, such as the appreciation for local production, the knowledge of traditional agricultural practices or the importance of healthy eating."
It is the intention of the administrations involved and the educational communities of the rest of the network to advance until canteens are set up in all the unit schools on the island and to progress towards their conversion into eco-canteens.