Tenerife’s Cabildo Unveils Groundbreaking Initiative to Foster Craftsmanship in Education

The Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife (MAIT) has officially launched its innovative Educational School Plan for the academic year 2025-2026. This initiative is strategically designed to weave traditional craftsmanship into the fabric of the educational system, enriching students’ learning experiences while promoting cultural heritage.

Transforming Learning Through Craftsmanship

This comprehensive initiative targets students at all educational levels, providing a diverse array of activities that include guided tours of the museum, interactive workshops, and specialized in-school programs. The overarching aim is to cultivate a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditional crafts originating from the Canary Islands and broader Ibero-American cultures.

Efraín Medina, the Councillor for Employment and Education, emphasized the transformative power of education in fostering social cohesion and cultural identity. He remarked, “Craftsmanship embodies our identity and heritage while paving the way for future opportunities in sustainability and innovation.” This statement underscores the initiative’s dual focus on preserving cultural practices and preparing students for future challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Introducing Dynamic Educational Resources

As part of the upcoming academic year, MAIT is set to roll out a suite of new educational materials, including comprehensive Teaching Guides that spotlight two essential traditional crafts: Traditional Pottery and Percussion Musical Instruments. Furthermore, students in secondary education will have the unique opportunity to delve into two additional crafts: Palm Weaving and Percussion Musical Instruments. A particularly exciting addition is a workshop dedicated to Natural Dyes, where participants will learn to create calligraphic and watercolor inks using cochineal, a natural dye derived from insects.

This focus on hands-on learning is not only engaging but also serves to instill a sense of pride in local craftsmanship among students. By connecting them with their cultural roots, the program aims to inspire a new generation of artisans and craft enthusiasts.

Comprehensive Learning Framework

The educational program is structured around two primary components. The first is museum-based education, which features customized guided tours and practical workshops that cover a variety of crafts, including Toy Making, Ceramics, and Doll Making. These experiences are designed to be immersive, allowing students to engage directly with the materials and techniques that define these traditional crafts.

The second component is school-based education, which includes Craft Days that feature live demonstrations and workshops led by master artisans. This aspect is particularly tailored for secondary education, Baccalaureate, and Vocational Training students, with each session limited to 25 participants to ensure a focused and interactive learning environment. This hands-on approach not only enhances students’ understanding of craftsmanship but also fosters mentorship opportunities between students and skilled artisans.

Applications for this enriching program will open on September 15, 2025, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Educational institutions eager to participate can submit their applications via email, along with a completed form that can be found on the MAIT website. This streamlined application process is designed to encourage widespread participation and ensure that as many students as possible can benefit from this unique educational opportunity.

Key points

• The MAIT Educational School Plan for 2025-2026 aims to integrate craftsmanship into education.
• Activities include guided tours, workshops, and in-school programs for all educational levels.
• New resources will focus on Traditional Pottery, Percussion Instruments, Palm Weaving, and Natural Dyes.
• The program emphasizes the role of craftsmanship in cultural identity and future employment opportunities.
• Applications open on September 15, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis.