The Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Tourism and Employment is spearheading an innovative initiative aimed at improving employment opportunities for underserved communities. This initiative, known as the Special Employment Programme (PES) titled ‘Port, Generating Opportunities’, has received substantial funding of €557,341 through the Canarian Employment Service (SCE). The program is primarily focused on helping individuals facing significant barriers to entering the job market, and so far, it has enabled the municipality of Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura to create job opportunities for 61 individuals currently experiencing unemployment.
In a recent visit to the site where these workers are engaged, the Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jéssica de León, took a closer look at the initiatives designed for environmental improvement and recovery being carried out in the picturesque Plaza Pablo Espinel. Nestled within the rural expanse of Guisguey, these activities not only beautify one of the capital’s most ethnographically rich corners but also represent key efforts toward integrating labor policies for those struggling to access employment.
“Through these programs, we are driving labor integration policies aimed at groups with the greatest barriers to job entry,” De León articulated during her visit. She further emphasized the initiative’s dual approach: “The program incorporates a training phase intended to facilitate the future employment of participants once the training is completed in December.” Participants continue to broaden their professional skills throughout this period.
Accompanied by local dignitaries, including David de Vera, the Mayor of Puerto del Rosario, María Teresa Ortega, the Director of the Canarian Employment Service, and Érica González, the Councilwoman for Local Development and Employment, De León highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives between the government and the Federation of Municipalities of the Canary Islands (FECAM). These partnerships are instrumental in offering real employment opportunities to vulnerable groups.
Mayor David de Vera expressed that the Social Employment Program ‘Puerto, Generating Opportunities’ transcends a mere temporary labor solution. “This constitutes a tool that enhances the quality of life for individuals, assists in their market reintegration, and fosters new prospects for those enduring social and economic vulnerability,” he stated with conviction.
De Vera further noted that “thanks to this initiative, 61 residents of Puerto del Rosario are currently engaged in various municipal duties, gaining experience and honing skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Moreover, their efforts positively impact the services we provide to the community and the maintenance of our public spaces.”
In an encapsulating remark, SCE Director María Teresa Ortega articulated the program’s multifaceted nature: “This project not only addresses the issues of unemployment and precarious work but also equips participants with vital professional development tools to enhance their conditions and future employment expectations.” The training encompasses social skills, risk prevention, and job orientation.
Public Utility Tasks
Launched on December 29 and expected to conclude on December 28, the project directly benefits a total of 61 unemployed residents in Puerto del Rosario. The engaged personnel are allocated to key public utility tasks, including the roles of 35 cleaning workers, five stonemasons, seven education and leisure monitors, seven sports monitors, three organizational technicians, and four second-class officials.
Both the Ministerio de Turismo y Empleo and the local government have emphasized the suitability of this program, particularly given that Puerto del Rosario faced a total of 2,480 unemployed individuals by October 2025, with 53.70% having only primary education, according to data from the Canarian Employment Observatory (OBECAN).
