Students, families, and teachers gathered outside IES El Doctoral in Gran Canaria on Friday morning, demanding action over unbearable classroom temperatures. The heat has become a serious issue, with some classrooms reportedly reaching up to 40°C, making it difficult for students to concentrate.
The protest came as temperatures climbed, prompting concerns from parents and students alike. Paula Carrillo, a Year 8 student, described the situation as “inhumane.” Protesters shouted for fans and proper ventilation, expressing frustration at the inadequate conditions. Teachers are often left struggling to teach in oppressive heat, particularly in classrooms like the “Medusa,” known for trapping heat due to the number of computers.
Ana, an organiser of the demonstration, urged the Canary Islands’ Education Ministry to improve ventilation systems, stating, “the kids are suffering”. The classrooms on the west wing of the school, where the sun shines throughout the morning, are especially stifling, with teachers facing an average of 28 students each.
Daisy, a parent, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that parents might have to buy their own fans to ensure their children can study comfortably. She fears the consequences of students suffering from heat exhaustion. Alexis Jesús, a Year 9 student, lamented the inequality between students without air conditioning and staff who enjoy the comfort of cooled offices.
The Canary Islands Education Ministry, led by Poli Suárez, acknowledged the challenge of managing nearly 900 schools. They reported that over the summer, they had worked on nearly 300 schools to address high temperatures, investing more than €30 million in creating shaded areas, installing solar panels, and placing temperature sensors. However, they admitted that such measures had not yet reached IES El Doctoral, expressing that it takes time to implement changes.
Families are calling for long-term solutions, as temporary measures are insufficient. The AMPA Adamsite parent association warned that excessive heat leads to fatigue and difficulty focusing in classes.
This protest highlights the need for suitable responses to rising temperatures in Canary Islands schools. On September 14, classes were cancelled in Santa Lucía de Tirajana due to similar heat issues, and IES El Doctoral has plans for remote teaching during extreme heat. As students return to sweltering classrooms, their demands resonate: “We have the right to study under decent conditions” and “We want solutions now.”
