Goal for Argana! – The Canary Islands are experiencing a problematic situation regarding irregular immigration. In the last year, we have witnessed a dramatic wave of boats arriving on our coasts, with hundreds of girls and boys from the continent of which we are geographically a part, Africa. The lack of action by the Ministry of Immigration and its head, José Luís Escrivá, and the improvisation with which they have acted in relation to the facilities to house the minors, have generated a general discomfort that certain xenophobic political parties have taken advantage of to make a very dangerous policy. Fortunately, the Canarian society is intelligent enough not to be fooled by this discourse, and acts as the neighbors of Caleta de Caballo did last Saturday, with solidarity and humanity. Congratulations to those neighbors!
And it is that in the Canary Islands, and specifically in Lanzarote, we have been living together without any problems with different races, ethnicities and nationalities for decades. Since the beginning of our history, many civilizations have arrived on the coasts of the islands, being, in certain cases, the architects of the social construction of our people. More recently, and with the modernization suffered in the Archipelago thanks to the tourism sector and the Welfare State, many people have wanted to have their place of prosperity and future in the Canary Islands. Many of them leaving behind their families and friends.
If we took a tour of the different neighborhoods of Arrecife and spoke with many of its residents, we would surely get countless dramatic experiences of their journey to becoming a resident of the municipality. In the same way, we would also witness many people from Lanzarote who have dedicated themselves body and soul to ensuring that immigrants integrate and find a path to prosperity in this land.
The SCRD Torrelavega
For example, the other day I was at the headquarters of SCRD Torrelavega, an emblematic team from our capital, and I was surprised by the great work they have been doing for many years to integrate immigrant children. Pillars like Toñín Ramos and Luís González, who without asking for anything in return have acted as godfathers, friends and, in certain cases, even fathers, to many young people who seek a way out of their family situation through sports.
The work of the Board of Directors of SCRD Torrelavega is commendable. We have examples of boys who have come out of their youth academy and are successful all over the world. The case of Claudio Mendes comes to mind, now a player for U.D. Las Palmas. This young man, although born in Arrecife, has his roots in Guinea Bissau. His parents were forced to leave their country as a result of a civil war and lack of opportunities. Raised in Argana, he spent his childhood in the streets of this popular neighborhood of Arrecife, where, together with his friends, they spent hours and hours playing soccer.
Perhaps, Argana is the place in all of Lanzarote where cultural and racial coexistence is most evident. The largest neighborhood in Arrecife, it houses the multiculturalism that brings with it years and years of social integration between different nationalities. A neighborhood that reflects what a 21st century society should and must be, but that also has great deficiencies that generate serious lack of opportunities compared to other areas of our island. Its per capita income does not exceed 8,000 euros, and its poverty rate exceeds what is admissible.
That is why actions such as those carried out by SCRD Torrelavega are extraordinarily relevant. In times of social, political and economic tension, with opportunists waving the flag of xenophobia and racism, having social, sports and cultural organizations in our capital that dedicate their time to communal solidarity is, frankly, reassuring. From the institutions and civil society we must help these groups that are committed to integration. That work to offer a prosperous future to those who choose Lanzarote and the Canary Islands as a place to live. That without asking for anything in return they offer them a space to fulfill themselves. That, after all, help build a better society.
Claudio Mendes
Last weekend Claudio Mendes scored his first goal with the yellow jersey of UD Las Palmas in the 2nd Division. I am convinced that this goal is not only Claudio's, but of all those who have selflessly helped him to be where he is today. Of all those who are committed to the integration of many of those boys that we see walking along the Carretera de Montaña Mina today. Of all the residents in the popular neighborhoods of Arrecife who look to the future every morning. Especially, of the residents of Argana who see that a piece of themselves is in the legs of the players who, until the other day, played on their courts. The ball that Claudio kicked had the strength of an entire neighborhood and an entire society.