In the sun-kissed landscapes of Fuerteventura, the youth of Pájara are making strides in education thanks to the initiatives of the local government. The Youth Department has launched a series of actions that reflect the needs and desires expressed directly by young individuals in the community. One such initiative is the commencement of free English classes at the IES Jandía, a move met with enthusiastic participation.
As highlighted by Jordani Cabrera, the head of the Youth Department, there’s a significant focus on empowering young people to voice their educational needs. Cabrera emphasizes the importance of ensuring that youth programs are not only top-down initiatives but rather inclusive measures that reflect community desires. This participatory model encourages more tailored and effective educational strategies.
The primary aim of the English classes is to offer additional support to students in Secondary Education (ESO) and Pre-University (Bachillerato) levels who face challenges in learning English. The current educational system often regards English as just another subject to pass, which doesn’t facilitate genuine language acquisition. Recognizing this gap, the initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the language through engaging methodologies that allow students to immerse themselves in English without the pressure of exams.
By creating a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment, the program encourages students to express themselves freely in English. The classes are taught by native speakers, ensuring that students are not only learning the language but also experiencing its nuances and cultural context. This immersive approach is intended to prepare them better for real-world interactions and future opportunities.
What’s more, participation in these classes is entirely free, funded by the Youth Department of Pájara in collaboration with the Youth Council of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. This financial backing, combined with the support of the educational community at IES Jandía, aims to cultivate an inclusive and expansive learning environment. Such support is crucial, as it promotes equal access to educational resources, particularly for students facing economic barriers.
The curriculum is implemented by the Centro de Estudios Morro Jable, a well-respected institution with over 15 years of commitment to the educational development of the residents of Fuerteventura. Their expertise ensures that the program is not only effective but also aligns with the best teaching practices, providing students with a solid foundation in English language skills that will serve them for years to come.
Through these efforts, the municipality of Pájara is setting a positive example of how local governments can facilitate transformative educational experiences for their youth. By placing the voices of the young people at the forefront of planning and execution, they are cultivating a generation that is not only linguistically proficient but also confident and empowered to tackle global challenges.
