Santa Cruz Hosts Third Social Cooperation Fair Featuring 59 Student-Led Businesses
The third Social Cooperation Fair in Santa Cruz de Tenerife brought together 800 students from 21 schools to showcase student-run cooperatives that donate all profits to charity.
The Alameda del Duque in Santa Cruz de Tenerife recently hosted the third Social Cooperation Fair, once again proving to be a hub for hands-on learning and community spirit. As part of the "Teaching to Entrepreneur" project, the event moves beyond the classroom, giving students a chance to manage real businesses. A unique feature of the program is that all profits are donated to charities chosen by the students.
This year’s fair brought together 59 school cooperatives and 800 participants, including students and teachers. Representing 21 schools across the island—including 16 in the capital and 14 with specialized classrooms for students with disabilities—the groups showcased a wide variety of handmade products. The initiative provides a practical environment for young people to apply what they have learned about project planning, organization, and design.
The program has seen significant success since its inception. According to the Canary Islands’ Vice-Ministry of Employment, the project has run for twelve editions across the archipelago, resulting in the creation of 766 cooperatives. To date, 14,885 students and 1,380 teachers from 407 schools have taken part in this network.
During the event, Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez praised the program for fostering teamwork and an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age. He was joined by Vice-Minister of Employment Isabel León, Councilor for Education Charín González, District Councilor Purificación Dávila, and Cajasiete Strategy Director Carlos González. Their attendance highlights the importance local authorities place on teaching students essential skills like social responsibility and project management, which are vital for the future workforce.