Santa Cruz de Tenerife Expands 'Distrito Joven' Program to Boost Youth Engagement
Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s "Distrito Joven" program is strengthening social cohesion by providing a permanent, decentralized network of educational and recreational activities for youth across all five city districts.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is using decentralized youth policies to strengthen social cohesion across the city. Through the "Distrito Joven" (Youth District) program, the City Council has moved away from hosting isolated events, instead creating a permanent network of activities that reaches all five districts of the municipality.
In 2025, the program saw 2,494 participants, a figure that highlights a growing trend of young people regularly using these public spaces. Led by Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez and councilwoman Charín González, the initiative tailors its offerings to the specific needs of each neighborhood. By utilizing local civic centers, libraries, and cultural hubs—such as the TEA and the Mascareño and Lázaro Siliuto Youth Houses—the city has turned these locations into active social centers.
The program’s success stems from its blend of technical training and hands-on experience. Activities range from nature excursions, such as hiking in Anaga or visiting Mount Teide and the Palmetum, to workshops on art and self-expression. These programs provide more than just entertainment; they help young people develop their personal identities and gain academic support in a supervised, social environment.
Originally launched in 2016 and revamped in May 2022, the initiative continues to grow. The City Council plans to expand its infrastructure further, with a new Youth House scheduled to open in the Crea Hogar building in El Sobradillo by 2027. This will complete the program's coverage in the Southwest district, cementing "Distrito Joven" as an essential service for the development of young people in Santa Cruz.