The Department of Culture of the Arrecife City Council, directed by Abigail González, continues to develop the project Time Social Hub: bonds beyond differences, a pioneering proposal that uses creativity as an inclusion tool to promote the integration of children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other disabilities in their free time and leisure.
After its launch in May, the initiative has resumed its weekly program this August, reinforcing a community space where young people with and without disabilities share experiences, strengthen bonds and develop social skills in an inclusive and safe environment. The activities are held at the CEO of Argana and, occasionally, in other socio-cultural centers of the municipality, such as Argana Alta.
Throughout these months, the program has offered a varied recreational, educational and artistic proposal designed to break social isolation and promote cultural participation.
Highlights include: Board games workshop, to enhance interaction and the development of cognitive and social skills; Outdoor archery sessions, very well received for their playful, physical and concentration character or art pouring workshop, in which young people explored fluid acrylic paint as a means of personal expression and artistic experimentation.
Also the Handmade cycle with wool therapy, through the creation of wool bracelets to reduce stress, improve fine motor skills and promote emotional calm; Pastry workshop at the Argana Alta Sociocultural Center, to promote healthy habits, basic cooking techniques, teamwork and autonomy, with the preparation of sweets such as desert roses.
The methodological approach of the program is committed to active participation adapted to the capabilities of each young person, using culture and creativity as an engine to enhance self-esteem, social bonding and community integration.
The Councilor for Culture, Abigail González, has highlighted the transformative value of the proposal and explained that "we are seeing how young people who usually face barriers to accessing cultural or leisure spaces, now form an active part of a social network that recognizes, values and accompanies them. Time Social Hub is demonstrating that an inclusive city is not only possible, but is already a palpable reality in Arrecife. Each activity generates a space for coexistence where differences do not separate, but enrich".
