Tenerife's 'Barrios por el Empleo' Marks Decade, Securing 10,500 Jobs
Tenerife's "Barrios por el Empleo" program celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of helping over 43,900 vulnerable people and enabling nearly 10,500 to find work, with increased funding announced for 2026.
The Tenerife Auditorium recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of 'Barrios por el Empleo: Juntos más Fuertes' (Neighborhoods for Employment: Together Stronger). This program, run by the island's Council, has helped over 43,900 vulnerable people since it began in 2015. Through personalized support and training, the project has enabled nearly 10,500 participants to find work.
More than 400 people attended the event, including government and business representatives, social workers, and program participants, for an emotional and significant gala.
It was a memorable night, honoring individuals whose dedication and hard work have strengthened the Barrios por el Empleo network. Their contributions have helped create a more inclusive and equal society in Tenerife, recognizing the efforts of thousands who have transformed their own lives and those of their families.
Since 2015, the project has focused on improving job opportunities for those who struggle most to find work. It uses a personalized method, built on community-based support.
During the event, the President of the Council, Rosa Dávila, said that "Barrios por el Empleo is much more than a program. It's a network that has believed in the talent and potential of thousands of people who felt they had no path to training, work, or purpose. Over these years, many of these individuals have been supported by people who helped them regain confidence and find meaningful jobs."
The President called it "an essential initiative by the Council, which has transformed lives and helped Tenerife remain a driving force for employment in the Canary Islands." She noted that the island's unemployment rate has dropped to 12%, which is two points lower than the regional average.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Employment and Education, Efraín Medina, stressed that the program is a team effort. "Together, we have built a network that has a positive and real impact on the people of Tenerife, helping the island build a brighter future," he said. Medina added that "now it's time to continue working to add ten more years and reach everyone still waiting for their chance."
The program is coordinated by Fifede (the Island Foundation for Training, Employment, and Business Development), an organization linked to the Council. It works in cooperation with six partner organizations: Cáritas Diocesana de Tenerife, Cruz Roja, Fundación Don Bosco Salesianos Social, Fundación General de la Universidad de La Laguna (FGULL), and Sinpromi.
The program has grown significantly, reflected in its expanding team, which has increased from 28 professionals in 2015 to 107 today. This allows for better care and support. New additions include psychologists, offering more personalized and close guidance.
The network of partner companies has also expanded, now totaling 956 – 195 more than when the project began. Training scholarships have also been introduced to provide real work experience. This continuous development has created a successful model: in 2024, 62% of participants found jobs, the best result in the program's history.
During the gala, it was also announced that the Council will increase its support for Barrios por el Empleo in 2026, boosting the budget to 4.3 million euros. This funding will help further combat social exclusion and create more opportunities for the future.
The emotional reunion highlighted that people working together for a common goal can empower each other and make everyone stronger.