On the morning of this Friday, May 6, the CEIP Benito Méndez Tarajano commemorated its 55 years of teaching activity in the Arrecife neighborhood of Titerroy with a festive day, in memory and tribute to those who directed the center in the past and for the presentation of present and future projects. The center has the consideration of preferential attention to students with hearing disabilities and also has an enclave classroom.
The Minister of Education, Universities, Culture and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands, Manuela Armas, accompanied the students, teachers and families on the tour of the facilities, some of which, such as the "naturalized" patios, are now more welcoming and cheerful spaces thanks to the work of parents of students. Also present were the island director of Education, Celeste Callero, the director of the Teacher Center (CEP) of Lanzarote, Flor Alonso, and the Councilor for Education of the Arrecife City Council, Saro González.
The access to the center, newly decorated with a mural signed by the artist Iván Tempra and presided over by violet doors, was the first stop of the visit and the place where, according to the director, Pablo Camacho, "you begin to sense what has been and is the spirit of the school".
Next, a commemorative plaque was unveiled and an olive tree was planted, within the framework of the "A tree in my patio" project promoted by the educational department. And next to its roots, a time capsule was buried in which the students deposited letters, to be read within a decade. After singing the song "Smiles" with signed translation, the delegation went inside the school to participate in a tribute to the directors who have held the position at CEIP Benito Méndez for more than five decades.
The center's new anthem was also premiered, in a version for piano and choir, with lyrics by Pablo Camacho and music by Professor Sergio Galán, and the new school logo was unveiled, the result of a contest held among the students' families.
The counselor Manuela Armas shared her emotion with the attendees and assured that the Benito Méndez school "is part of the legacy of the teacher of teachers, having become an exemplary school, proud of its values, its establishment in the neighborhood and its desire for progress, thanks to its management team and an tireless faculty".
Tribute to former directors of the center
A small tribute was also paid to the former directors of CEIP Benito Méndez Tarajano at the event. Among them, César García was remembered, and as recognition of his career at the school, a classroom will bear his name.
Another of the school's directors throughout its 55-year history was Agustín García, who also received an emotional remembrance from the educational center. Both recognitions were presented by the current director of the center, Sergio Galán, and collected by Rosalía Acosta, wife of Agustín García and daughter-in-law of César García.
Rosalía Acosta receiving the recognitions
