Following in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus and in the footsteps of the island’s geological eras, 20 high school students from Fumélois from Erasmus+ (a European Union program intended to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe) stayed for a week in Gran Canaria, from March 14 to 21.
The two pillars of this European expedition, Ms. Struckely-Fink (SVT – geology) and Moutinho-Delmouly (Spanish) carefully chose a stay on this island, off the African coast, to develop skills in Spanish but also historical, geological and botanical knowledge.
It was with the IES Politécnico Las Palmas establishment (scientific high school in the capital of Gran Canaria) that our Fumélois discovered this Spanish island. Thus, the twenty high school students participated in various activities, notably one on astronomy, led by supervisors Roseta and Sara, and the other on chemistry led by José (manipulation of marine algae). Our young people were also able to discover the rather scientific training courses offered in the school during open days, the maintenance of medical devices for example.
In return, the Fumélois presented their establishment and the riches of Fumélois to the students of Mercédès (English teacher).
Fruitful exchanges
During their stay, they were also able to appreciate the “Poema del mar” oceanographic museum in Las Palmas and discover different animal species that survive in our increasingly polluted oceans. They observed an exceptional marine species, the “Cangrejo de herradura” which was used in the composition of the vaccine against Covid-19.
This Erasmus+ exchange was therefore very scientific. But, we must not forget the history and culture of Gran Canaria. The Vegueta district of Las Palmas is home to the house of Christopher Columbus: his crews stopped in this city during expeditions at the end of the 15th century for supplies before the great Atlantic crossing. An enriching visit. Discovery also of the functioning of a banana plantation of which the archipelago is a major European producer. After school work, our high school students were able to visit museums and enjoy a few moments of relaxation while strolling the beautiful beach of Las Canteras.
A great escape for our Fumelois which completes their school curriculum and gives them some additional food for thought for their orientation.
