Nearly 100 Sahrawi Children Arrive in the Canaries for Summer Programme
Almost 100 Sahrawi children from refugee camps in Tinduf, Algeria, will spend July and August in the Canary Islands thanks to the “Holidays in Peace” programme. This initiative allows them to escape harsh living conditions, where temperatures often exceed 50°C.
The group travelled from Tinduf to Algiers before flying to Tenerife South Airport, arriving in the early hours. After a brief rest at the Kairós Association in Santa Cruz, the children were matched with their host families across the islands.
Of the 112 children originally set to participate, 14 were unable to travel. In total, 36 children are staying in Tenerife, another 36 in Gran Canaria, 14 in La Palma, and smaller groups are going to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Emotions ran high as families reunited. Many children were excited, while newcomers appeared more reserved and overwhelmed by the experience.
Alberto Negrín, president of the Canary Association of Friendship with the Sahrawi People (ACAPS), expressed joy seeing the connections fostered between the Sahrawi and their host families.
This initiative relies heavily on the trust between biological and adoptive families, often forming enduring relationships. The association also coordinates visits for host families to the camps, enriching ties over the years.
Negrín highlighted the worsening conditions in refugee camps, especially for children, due to global conflicts impacting humanitarian aid. He thanked local institutions, including the Canary Parliament and various councils, for their support of humanitarian projects.
During their stay, the children will enjoy a wealth of activities, including outdoor games, educational visits, medical care, and a balanced diet.
The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration has granted temporary residency to 2,800 Sahrawi children participating in “Holidays in Peace”, along with visas for 170 accompanying monitors. Since 1980, the Canaries have welcomed Sahrawi minors every summer.
