Canary Islands Bids Farewell to 101 Sahrawi Children in “Vacances en Paix” Program: An Enriching Experience Documented by Local Media

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | September 5th, 2024 — On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Tenerife Airport in the Canary Islands witnessed a poignant farewell as 101 Sahrawi children concluded their summer vacation under the humanitarian program “Vacances en Paix” (Holidays in Peace). This year’s program, organized by Sahrawi solidarity associations in the Canary Islands and coordinated with the Polisario Front’s representative office in the region, saw these young ambassadors of peace enjoy two months of respite with host families across the Canary archipelago.

The children, aged between 8 and 14, were welcomed into the homes of supportive Canary families, who have shown unwavering solidarity with the Sahrawi people’s struggle for independence and freedom. Throughout their stay, the participants engaged in a variety of recreational and sporting activities that were well-received and enjoyed immensely. The program not only offered these children a temporary escape from their daily hardships but also provided them with a range of enriching experiences.

Comprehensive Care and Enrichment

During their two-month stay, the children benefitted from a structured program that included comprehensive medical check-ups, with necessary treatments provided for any health issues identified. This year’s initiative also facilitated language improvement opportunities, as the children were immersed in Spanish, which is the second language taught in Sahrawi schools.

According to program coordinators and host families, this year’s iteration of “Vacances en Paix” was executed smoothly, with no significant problems reported. The children’s activities were thoughtfully planned, incorporating both leisure and educational elements. The medical and linguistic support provided further contributed to the overall success of the program.

Community and Diplomatic Support

The farewell ceremony at the airport was attended by key figures including Ali Salem Sidi Zein, the Polisario Front’s representative in the Canary Islands, and his deputy, Mohamed Said. They were joined by representatives of the Sahrawi solidarity associations and members of the Sahrawi diaspora residing in Tenerife.

Local media outlets, including television channels and social media platforms, extensively covered the event, capturing the emotional moments of the children’s departure and highlighting the program’s positive impact.

Looking Ahead

The host families and association leaders expressed their satisfaction with this year’s program and their commitment to continue hosting Sahrawi children in the future. They also voiced their intention to increase the number of beneficiaries in the coming years, emphasizing their ongoing solidarity with the Sahrawi cause.

The “Vacances en Paix” initiative is seen as a significant gesture of support, reflecting the international community’s ongoing commitment to the Sahrawi people’s quest for self-determination and independence. The ultimate goal is to enable Sahrawi children to spend future holidays in their liberated homeland, alongside their families and loved ones.

This year’s successful conclusion underscores the effectiveness of cross-cultural solidarity programs and their profound impact on fostering international understanding and support for the Sahrawi cause.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube