LA PUNTA BAJAMAR AVANZANDO is a non-profit socio-cultural organization with 15-20 active members in a rural area of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
AVANZANDO’s main purpose is to enhance the access to cultural, educational, environmental and social activities in the rural communities of Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo, through a socially inclusive approach regarding all types of vulnerable groups. For example, within the core team of the organization there are members facing unemployment or economic instability, several seniors 50+, women, migrants and three adults with special needs. The large majority of the members of the organization and its target audience are facing social exclusion due to the geographical position on the island and low access to employment, educational leisure opportunities.
Social cohesion and tolerance to diversity are very important for AVANZANDO, as it aims at increasing the intergenerational communication and collaboration among different groups of people in order to increase the community spirit.
AVANZANDO promotes active citizenship, critical thinking and social implication of citizens in the cultural and social life of the local community. Through a participatory approach, the neighbors are empowered to collaborate and exchange knowledge, skills and experiences. An example of such a project is a big monthly Sunday event, Domingo familiar, where the citizens can suggest and implement educational activities on a large variety of topics, where 150-200 people attend usually.
AVANZANDO also aims at increasing awareness about the importance of the natural and cultural heritage of the area as well as developing local, regional and international projects to protect its treasures. Tenerife has 43 protected areas and 48,6 % of the territory of Tenerife island is subject to some form of protection. In specific, Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo take part of the territory of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Anaga since 2015.
In order to foster the exchange of good practices and learn from other experienced organizations, AVANZANDO aims at developing new local, national and international partnerships and projects.