Sahrawi Children Find Summer Respite in Canary Islands Through Solidarity Program
The "Vacations in Peace" initiative has brought 105 Sahrawi children from Tindouf refugee camps to the Canary Islands for a summer of medical care and respite, highlighting both the program's humanitarian impact and the ongoing logistical challenges faced by host families.
The "Vacations in Peace" initiative is once again shedding light on the difficult reality facing Sahrawi children this summer. According to local reports, the program has brought 105 children from the Tindouf refugee camps to the Canary Islands for a temporary stay. Running for more than 40 years, this project is more than just a summer exchange; it is a vital act of solidarity designed to provide relief from the harsh conditions of the Algerian desert, where thousands of refugees are still waiting for a resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.
The benefits of the program are significant. Throughout July and August, children like Mahmud and Lala—who are staying in La Esperanza, Tenerife—receive preventive medical care and a nutritious diet, a stark contrast to the scarcity they face at home. The experience is also rewarding for the host families. Virginia Torres and Jorge Rojas, who are hosting children this year, noted the maturity and adaptability the children show in their daily lives, as well as the valuable cultural exchange that takes place.
However, the program faces ongoing administrative and logistical hurdles. While the children have access to public healthcare, bureaucratic red tape limits their ability to travel. Host families have pointed out that the children are not eligible for resident discounts on inter-island travel, creating an unfair financial burden that makes it harder for them to fully participate in island life.
The Canary Association of Friendship with the Sahrawi People (ACAPS) continues to lead this effort, placing 64 children in Tenerife and 41 in Gran Canaria this year. The organization is calling for more volunteer families, as the number of children in need consistently exceeds the current capacity. While the political situation remains at a standstill, the program serves as an essential human connection, helping these children form lasting emotional bonds that continue long after they return to the camps.