The AMPA of the IES César Manrique has launched a statement celebrating that "after years of zero investment and abandonment by the Ministry of Education in the minimum improvements necessary and demanded by the entire Educational Community, works are finally awarded in May to improve accessibility and priority services of the Center." These works involve the adaptation of the bathrooms and access ramps to different spaces.
However, the families criticize that the work began on September 4, less than a week before the start of school activity. "This generates a risk to the physical integrity of all the students of the center, since it compromises the use of the main access door, which is also the main evacuation route in case of an eventual emergency," they point out.
Therefore, the Management Team requested the modification of the calendar for the start of school activity scheduled for September 10 and move it to September 11, only one day. This modification would allow adequate development with a staggered incorporation and in safe conditions. However, the Territorial Directorate of Las Palmas has rejected this request, "prioritizing the headline of normality at the beginning of the course over the safety of the students."
The families of the IES César Manrique express their "deep concern and outrage at the lack of common sense and coherence of the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands when it comes to safeguarding the physical integrity of the students."
The first phase of the works involves the modification of the access ramps for students with reduced mobility, including the main access ramp to the sports and recreation area, which is also the main evacuation route. However, the alternative routes "do not allow the flow of a large number of people and also do not allow passage to people in wheelchairs due to their size," they state. This phase would be completed according to the company's commitment on September 16.
"The Territorial Directorate of Education has denied the authorization of staggered start to the Management Team without valid justification and, what is even worse, without alternatives. This decision demonstrates a lack of consideration for the safety and well-being of the students," the families denounce.
Faced with this situation, they demand that the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands "take immediate measures to guarantee safety and accessibility at the IES César Manrique. It is unacceptable that bureaucracy is prioritized over the safety and well-being of the students, the calendars are modifiable, especially if the reduction of risks depends on it."
"We demand an urgent and effective response to resolve this situation and ensure that students can enjoy their right to education in dignified and safe conditions," they continue.
Thus, they conclude by saying that "the responsibility for the safety of our daughters and sons, and the consequences of their bad practices, fall exclusively on those who occupy the offices of the Territorial Directorate of Las Palmas of the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands."
