Tenerife’s Cabildo has launched an educational programme for the 2026-2027 academic year through the Museum of Ibero-American Craft (MAIT). The initiative aims to strengthen ties between classrooms, cultural heritage, and traditional craftsmanship across various educational levels on the island.
At a press conference, Efraín Medina, the island’s councillor for Employment, Education, and Youth, along with MAIT representatives, highlighted the programme’s focus on raising students’ awareness of the origins and evolution of Canary Island craftsmanship. The initiative also seeks to introduce them to artisanal practices from other Ibero-American countries.
The programme features museum visits, guided tours, and hands-on workshops, as well as outreach activities where MAIT staff will engage directly with students in their schools. Medina stated that the goal is to ensure that children understand the depth of knowledge and creativity behind each crafted piece, noting the importance of connecting with local artisans.
Notably, the educational plan includes a new learning module titled “Hands that Create Canary Islands,” aimed at primary school students. It features educational resources and activities focused on environmental observation, cultural heritage, and practical workshops.
This year’s initiative also introduces training workshops for teachers, covering traditional crafts such as pottery, palm weaving, and natural dyeing, including cochineal ink. Enhanced educational guides on specific crafts will support classroom learning before and after museum visits.
For secondary education students, the programme now includes sessions on traditional forging and the Canary knife, encompassing hands-on learning about the rural blacksmith’s role in Tenerife. This provides insight into traditional tools and their agricultural significance.
Craft Education Days will continue to operate in schools, blending theory with live demonstrations and workshops led by artisans. Topics such as traditional pottery and natural dyes will be covered, with each session lasting around two hours for groups of up to 25 students.
Additionally, the MAIT is open to school visits from all educational levels, offering guided tours and workshops on various crafts, including ceramics and weaving.
These educational activities are free for Tenerife schools. Applications for resources will open on 14 September at 8:00 am and will remain available until all places are filled. Educational materials will also be available for download from the same date.
