The Cabildo Launches the First Edition of the CIJ Project Laboratory for Youth Groups and Associations
The initiative ‘Drag Talent Show’, presented by Alejandro Darias Abreu from the Kaua Youth-Cultural Association, emerged as the winning proposal
The Youth Information Centre (CIJ) recently hosted the final competition of the CIJ Project Laboratory 2025, an initiative spearheaded by the Tenerife Cabildo’s Youth and Training Department. For the first time, this initiative has been exclusively directed at youth groups and associations on the island. Previous editions focused on projects driven by educational institutions, making this new format a significant step towards strengthening the youth associative landscape.
The Minister for Youth and Training, Serafín Mesa, stated, “With this first edition of the CIJ Project Laboratory aimed at youth associations, we are making further strides in our commitment to promote youth associations and create real spaces where young people’s ideas can evolve into impactful projects. The quality and diversity of the proposals presented today showcase the talent, creativity, and involvement of our youth in the social transformation of our island.”
The day culminated with the selection of the ‘Drag Talent Show’, presented by Alejandro Darias Abreu from the Kaua Youth-Cultural Association, as the winning proposal for this edition. The project received a prize of 2,000 euros, designated for its execution through the payment of the expenses outlined in the submitted budget. Additionally, the jury awarded second place to the project ‘Transmovimiento’, presented by Haydée Crescente on behalf of the Númidas Association, and third place to the initiative ‘Imagine Without Limits, Create with Purpose (Arduino)’, presented by Jazira Fariña from Neko Esports.
The competition represented the final phase of the laboratory, where participating groups defended their proposals before a technical jury. Each presentation included a 10-minute exposition followed by a brief question and answer session, where aspects such as originality, viability, social impact and youth engagement were assessed.
In addition to the winning projects, proposals such as ‘AJ Project’ by Ángel Jofiel and ‘The Street is a Living Canvas’ by Jose Miguel (Undermap) were also presented. Both stood out for their social sensitivity and transformative focus on youth. The jury wanted to highlight the value of all participating initiatives, reflecting the commitment of the youth to their environment and the desire to create creative spaces for expression, inclusion, and change.
The jury comprised Serafín Mesa, the Minister for Youth and Training; Luis Meirás Aranega, the Youth Coordinator of the Granadilla de Abona Town Hall; and Eduardo Manuel Abreu Alonso, Senior Technician in Social Integration at the Candelaria Town Hall.
The Tenerife Cabildo views this new line of the laboratory very positively, as it has served as a platform to showcase youth talent from the associative fabric and promote networking among groups. The success of the competition reaffirms the CIJ’s commitment as a space for active participation, training, and support for projects driven by youth.
