Families of students with Specific Educational Needs gathered on Thursday to highlight ongoing issues at a meeting with representatives from the PSOE party in Puerto del Rosario. They raised concerns about inadequate funding, a shortage of places in schools, and a lack of training and job opportunities for young people over 21.
The meeting included key figures such as Marcos Hernández, the PSOE’s education spokesperson in the Canary Islands Parliament; Fuerteventura senator Paloma Hernández Cerezo; regional MPs Rosa Bella Cabrera and Manuel Hernández Cerezo; and local education councillor Toñi Fernández Aragón, among others.
The PSOE reported that the aim of the gathering was to understand the challenges faced by students with Specific Educational Needs and their families, as well as to explore potential solutions.
Families discussed various issues, including insufficient resources, the need for specialised training for teachers and support staff, and deficiencies in new adapted vocational training pathways. Notably, they pointed out the lack of educational and job alternatives for young people who leave the education system at 21.
The association ADIVIA also participated in the meeting.
In response, PSOE representatives outlined the amendments and proposals put forward in the current legislative session aimed at improving support for students with Specific Educational Needs. They emphasised the collaborative efforts with families and associations and reiterated their commitment to advocating for these families’ needs with relevant institutions, expressing a desire to maintain ongoing dialogue.