The Cabildo of Lanzarote, through the Education Department managed by Councillor Ascensión Toledo, congratulates the Mercedes Medina Díaz Association (AMMD) on the presentation of its annual scholarships aimed at supporting the education of talented young people from Lanzarote in need of financial assistance.
On the morning of this Friday, the ceremony for the XIV edition of the Mercedes Medina Díaz Scholarships took place, during which 15 students received the first part of the financial aid that will enable them to pursue their studies at various universities in Spain for the 2025/2026 academic year. The event was attended by families, institutional representatives, and business leaders who have made this initiative possible.
Support for Talented Youth
Councillor Ascensión Toledo emphasised the importance of the Association’s work, reiterating the insular institution’s commitment to this social project: “On behalf of the Cabildo, we congratulate the awarded students and their families, and we express our gratitude to the AMMD for keeping alive the memory of an exemplary teacher, transforming her legacy into real opportunities for our youth. Furthermore, we are determined to continue collaborating with this Association for the benefit of the young people of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.”
Thanks to the Association’s own resources and the generous support of numerous local businesses, this edition has reached an unprecedented total of 54,000 euros, allowing each beneficiary to receive 3,600 euros during the academic year. The first payment, made today, amounted to 400 euros, with the remaining funds disbursed in instalments over the coming months.
Highly Competitive Selection Process
This year, the Association received nearly fifty applications, making the selection process even more competitive.
“Ensuring No Talent is Lost”
Juan Cruz Sepúlveda, president of the AMMD, confirmed that they have received a very high number of applications this year, “making the selection process very challenging… The Mercedes Medina Scholarships aim to ensure that no talent from Lanzarote or La Graciosa is lost due to a lack of financial resources. Thanks to the renewed and strengthened support of our benefactors, we have reached a record level of funding that allows us to help more effectively. To all of them, our heartfelt gratitude.”
Representing the Arrecife Town Hall, Councillor for Citizen Participation, Cathaysa Suárez, attended the event on behalf of the absent Education Councillor, Abigail González, due to scheduling conflicts. Suárez remarked that the Mercedes Medina Scholarships “represent a commitment to equal opportunities and the talent of our youth. On behalf of the Arrecife Town Hall, we congratulate the awarded students and thank the Association and collaborating businesses for keeping this valuable project alive.”
A Tribute to a Teacher’s Legacy
The Mercedes Medina Díaz Association was founded in memory of Doña Mercedes Medina, a Lanzarote teacher who dedicated her life to education and inspiring her students to excel and pursue higher studies. It is her daughter, María Mercedes Maura Manuela Palarea Medina, who has driven this commendable initiative and its strengthening over time.
Guided by the spirit of this educator, the AMMD continues to work so that a lack of financial resources does not hinder the future of the new generations of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
In 2024, the Cabildo of Lanzarote awarded the association the Jameo de Oro distinction for Education.
