Mapfre Canarias premia a 6 proyectos que buscan mejorar el bienestar social y la inclusión
Canary Islands Foundation Champions Local Initiatives for Inclusion and Well-being
Table of Contents
- Canary Islands Foundation Champions Local Initiatives for Inclusion and Well-being
- Canary Islands Projects Shine light on Mental Health, Cultural Heritage, and Inclusion
- Local Charity Lifts Spirits and Lives with New Crane
- canary Islands Foundation Champions Inclusion and Well-being with $30,000 Boost
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – The Mapfre Canarias Foundation celebrated the winners of its annual Proyecto Futuro Awards on Friday, recognizing six exceptional initiatives dedicated to fostering inclusion and social well-being in the Canary Islands. The foundation will provide a total of $30,000 in funding to support these projects in the coming year.
“We are thrilled to partner with these individuals and organizations who are making a real difference in our community,” said isabel Suárez, Vice President of the Mapfre Canarias Foundation. “They are true pillars of society, working tirelessly to improve the lives of others.”
Established in 2021 as part of the ‘Experiencia Fundación Mapfre Canarias’ platform, the Proyecto Futuro Awards aim to encourage collaboration among professionals and organizations committed to the progress and advancement of the Canary Islands. This year, the awards were presented to three individuals and three organizations selected from a pool of 25 applicants.
David Batista Santana, Activity Technician at the foundation, explained that 15 projects advanced to the final round after receiving the most votes from users of the ‘Experiencia Fundación Mapfre Canarias’ platform. A dedicated advisory committee then selected the six ultimate winners.
Making a Splash for Inclusion
One of the winning projects, the ‘Aquatic Activities Program’ by the Prominsur Association, focuses on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through adapted swimming activities.
“We realized the need to make our pool accessible to individuals with diverse needs,” said Demelsa González, a physiotherapist and member of Prominsur’s technical team. “This allows us to reach more people, currently around 170, and provide them with the benefits of aquatic therapy.”
González emphasized the unique advantages of water-based activities for individuals with disabilities. “Water allows for a wider range of movement and therapeutic exercises compared to a conventional gym setting,” she explained.
Another winning project, ‘Preventing Social Exclusion in People with Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases’ by asenecan, empowers individuals living with incurable degenerative diseases to achieve thier basic life goals.
“Our project ensures that people with these challenging conditions can live fulfilling lives,” said Obdulia Carmen Falcón, President of Asenecan.
The Mapfre Canarias Foundation’s Proyecto Futuro Awards highlight the dedication and innovation of individuals and organizations working to create a more inclusive and supportive society in the Canary Islands.
Canary Islands Projects Shine light on Mental Health, Cultural Heritage, and Inclusion
Las Palmas, Canary Islands – A wave of innovative projects focused on mental health awareness, cultural preservation, and inclusivity for people with disabilities has swept through the Canary Islands, thanks to the Mapfre Canarias Foundation. The foundation recently awarded grants to several inspiring initiatives, breathing new life into community engagement and social impact.
One standout project, “Sinergia,” spearheaded by the Asociación salud Mental Afesur, aims to tackle the growing mental health challenges faced by young people. “Young people, in particular, are experiencing meaningful mental health issues, and these problems are on the rise,” explained Jeanine Socorro, a social worker with Afesur. “This recognition from Mapfre Canarias is crucial for us to continue our vital work in raising awareness and providing preventative measures.”
The foundation’s support extends beyond mental health, reaching into the realm of cultural preservation. Yraya Pardo’s project, “A_Mano: Reinterpreting Tradition,” seeks to revitalize traditional Canarian craftsmanship by creating event canopies using banana fibers and incorporating age-old calado techniques.This project beautifully blends heritage with contemporary needs, ensuring the survival of traditional skills.
Music and dance take center stage in Charo Cardenal’s “Inclusion and Identity” project.Led by music professor Javier Cerpa, the initiative will offer workshops in traditional Canarian music and dance to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Cerpa emphasized the importance of making cultural heritage accessible to all, stating, “We want to empower this community to connect with their own culture and identity through music, percussion, singing, and dance.”
the whimsical theatrical production “The Magical Cañáfono of Don Soplón and Doña Alpispa,” created by Jesús Fernández and Paqui Santana, promises to enchant young audiences. This unique blend of music, technology, and science will be performed in schools, special education classrooms, and even the Hospital materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, bringing joy and wonder to children of all abilities.
The Mapfre Canarias Foundation’s commitment to social impact goes beyond financial support. During the awards ceremony, a string quartet from Barrios Orquestados, a previous grant recipient, captivated the audience with a moving performance. The foundation also highlighted the success of Antoine Flores, a saxophonist whose debut album, “Momentum,” was funded through a previous grant. The proceeds from the album’s first year of sales were donated to the Asociación de Deficientes Psíquicos Crevo, demonstrating the ripple effect of the foundation’s support.
carolina Méndez, representing Crevo, expressed her gratitude for the foundation’s recognition, stating, “This award has been a tremendous boost for our association, allowing us to continue providing essential services to children with rare diseases.”
The Mapfre Canarias Foundation’s dedication to empowering communities through innovative projects is a beacon of hope and progress for the Canary Islands. These initiatives serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant society.
Local Charity Lifts Spirits and Lives with New Crane
[City, State] – A local charity dedicated to helping children with disabilities recently received a generous donation that has made a world of difference. The [Charity Name] was gifted a ceiling-mounted crane,a piece of equipment that will considerably enhance the lives of the children they serve.
“[Quote about the impact of the crane from a representative of the charity],” said [Name and Title of Representative]. “[Quote about how the crane helps children gain independence and a better perspective on the world].”
The crane allows therapists to safely and effectively assist children with mobility challenges in standing, reaching, and participating in activities they might otherwise struggle with. This newfound independence has a profound impact on their development and overall well-being.
“[Quote from a parent or guardian about the positive changes they’ve seen in their child as the crane was installed],” shared [name of Parent/Guardian].
The donation, which came from [Source of Donation, if known], was a welcome boost for the charity. “[Quote about how the donation has energized the charity and its staff],” said [Name and Title of representative].
The [Charity Name] continues to work tirelessly to provide essential services and support to children with disabilities in the community.
[Image of children using the crane, if available]
canary Islands Foundation Champions Inclusion and Well-being with $30,000 Boost
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – Community spirit is thriving in the Canary Islands, with the mapfre Canarias Foundation recognizing six outstanding initiatives dedicated to fostering inclusion and social well-being. This year’s prestigious Proyecto Futuro Awards, presented on Friday, saw a total of $30,000 awarded to projects tackling a range of critical issues from mental health to disability inclusion and cultural heritage preservation.
A Focus on Impactful Change
“We are incredibly proud to support these dedicated individuals and organizations who are making a tangible difference in our community,” stated Isabel Suárez, vice President of the Mapfre Canarias Foundation. “They are true champions of positive change, tirelessly working to improve the lives of others.”
The Proyecto Futuro Awards,launched in 2021 as part of the ‘Experiencia Fundación Mapfre Canarias’ platform,aim to foster collaboration and empower those committed to the advancement of the Canary Islands. This year saw fierce competition with 25 applications initially vying for the awards.
Shining a Light on Deserving Initiatives
After a rigorous selection process involving public voting on the ‘Experiencia Fundación Mapfre Canarias’ platform and a dedicated advisory committee’s final review, six exceptional projects emerged victorious. These included:
The prominsur Association’s ‘Aquatic Activities Programme’: This initiative uses the unique benefits of swimming to improve the lives of people with disabilities, offering adapted aquatic therapies to approximately 170 individuals.“Water provides a greater range of movement and accessible exercises compared to customary gym settings,” explained Demelsa González, a physiotherapist with Prominsur.
Asenecan’s ‘Preventing Social Exclusion in People with Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases’: This project aims to empower individuals living with challenging degenerative diseases to achieve their life goals and live fulfilling lives. “This grant is vital in ensuring people with these conditions feel supported and included in society,” said Obdulia Carmen Falcón, president of Asenecan.
Beyond Disability Inclusion: Addressing Mental Health and Cultural Heritage
other notable projects recognized by the Mapfre Canarias Foundation delved into critical areas such as
Mental health awareness: The Asociación Salud Mental Afesur’s “Sinergia” project targets the escalating mental health challenges facing young people, focusing on preventative measures and raising awareness.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Several projects focused on safeguarding and reviving the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands, connecting communities to their past and fostering a sense of identity.
Collaboration For a Brighter Future
The Mapfre Canarias Foundation’s Proyecto Futuro Awards act as a catalyst for positive change, providing crucial financial support and amplifying the voices of those working tirelessly to build a more inclusive and vibrant society in the Canary Islands. Their dedication to community engagement and social impact serves as an inspiration for us all.
