Universidad de Verano de La Gomera: Edición Innovadora presentada por Cabildo y Universidad de La Laguna
The Insular Council and the University of La Laguna present a novel edition of the Summer University of La Gomera. Following the success achieved in previous years, both institutions are once again promoting this educational initiative that offers a wide range of courses aimed at bringing knowledge to the entire population of La Gomera in subjects such as archaeology, new technologies, and cultural and natural heritage.
The new edition of the Summer University of La Gomera introduces significant innovations that reinforce its accessible and inclusive nature. For the first time, a hybrid format is adopted that combines face-to-face modality with online learning, significantly expanding the program’s reach and facilitating participation.
The President of the Council, Casimiro Curbelo, encouraged the public to participate in a new edition of the Summer University, a high-level educational initiative that, in his words, "represents an extraordinary example of how the University reaches out to different territories." Curbelo emphasized the value of bringing knowledge to non-capital islands like La Gomera, highlighting that "we live in a unique autonomous community, making it even more valuable for the University of La Laguna to be present here, in all municipalities." This educational proposal becomes a great opportunity not only for the people of La Gomera but also for those visiting the island during these dates.
Furthermore, the President expressed pride in the continued collaboration with the University of La Laguna, recalling that the Council has been cooperating in different areas for years, especially in these summer courses. He positively assessed the program’s start coinciding with significant celebrations such as the Fiestas Lustrales of Vallehermoso and the Colombinas Jornadas in San Sebastián, "with intelligent planning that promotes participation and the dissemination of scientific knowledge by great professionals." He also praised the level and diversity of this year’s program. "The University and its professionals have done an extraordinary job, tailored to the educational needs and concerns of the present and future."
The Rector of the University of La Laguna, Francisco García, stated that the public university has significantly contributed to creating the Canarian archetype, "defining our identity, given its strong territorial roots." "Science will be increasingly necessary in decision-making," he said, emphasizing the essential nature of continuous learning in today’s world. The Rector also valued the courses’ reach to all municipalities and their interdisciplinary nature.
Regarding the President of the insular corporation, García added that he has always shown sensitivity and a capacity for dialogue with the public university, a fact that he considers highly remarkable. "We are very happy to be useful to the people of La Gomera," he added.
The Vice-Rector for Culture and University Extension, Isabel León, also added the ‘Tagoror de Saberes’ space, where the scientific works of young people from La Gomera (through their final degree or master’s projects) and other facts about the island will be exhibited. Theater, demographic issues, and artificial intelligence will be integrated into this proposal, which will take place on Saturday, July 12, starting at 4:00 pm, in the Plenary Hall of the Alajeró City Hall.
Registration
The educational activities are open to the entire population, without the need for prerequisites, and have a cost of 10 euros for residents of La Gomera, and 20 euros for the general public. Through this link, more information about each course can be accessed and registration formalized.
The public is encouraged to register and take advantage of a diverse, up-to-date, and tailored educational offering to the social and professional needs of the present. "Participating in the Summer University not only provides an opportunity to expand knowledge in strategic areas but also to establish networks with experts, teachers, and other students. Additionally, the insular nature of the program allows the university to be brought closer to the territory, promoting local development through higher education."
Educational Offer
The educational journey will begin with the course ‘Training in educational leisure activities in nature,’ which will be held from July 7 to 11, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Insular General Archive of La Gomera, located in San Sebastián. With this course, participants will be able to learn about the natural environment of La Gomera and its ecological and cultural value, develop skills for interpreting the environment, apply group dynamics techniques in the natural environment, and promote attitudes of respect and conservation of the environment.
The training on ‘Environmental Health and One Health: Understanding the connection between the planet and our health’ will take place from July 7 to 11, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at the Casa de la Cultura de Valle Gran Rey. Participants will learn to understand how human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, foster a critical and active consciousness about the challenges and solutions of the One Health approach, and acquire knowledge to identify the main threats to health from animals and the environment. They will also analyze real examples that show the connection between health and the environment, both locally and globally, and foster a critical and responsible attitude towards environmental problems that affect collective health.
From July 8 to 10, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Auditorium of Alajeró City Hall will host the ‘I Course on Paleontology of the Canary Islands. Exceptional sites and fossils and their use and management.’ The course aims to provide students with a first experience regarding the extraordinary paleontological heritage or natural fossil heritage of the Canary Islands, enabling them to advance in their knowledge and in the applications and tools for their use and management, based on practical cases.
On July 12, the Plenary Hall of Alajeró City Hall will host the masterclass & wine tasting: ‘Understanding the diversity of the wines of the Canary Islands,’ starting at 6:00 pm. This masterclass will allow attendees to taste a selection of these exceptional wines, as well as understand and appreciate the stories and traditions behind each glass, emphasizing the impact of geography and culture on their production. It is a perfect opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Canarian wines and discover why they are a gem in the international wine scene.
‘The Geodiversity and Geological Heritage of each of the Canary Islands’ is the course that will be taught in the municipality of Agulo, from July 14 to 16, at the Benedicto Negrín Auditorium, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The training will help students to have basic ideas about geological processes, especially those operating in the natural environment of the Canary Islands; identify the geodiversity and geological heritage of the Canary Islands and help focus on their conservation, management, and dissemination, as well as their sustainable didactic and recreational use. They will handle and use a series of concepts, methods, and techniques useful for the inventory, description, and assessment of the Geological Interest Sites of the Canary Islands as components of the regional geological heritage; and recognize the importance of the geodiversity and geological heritage of the Islands in the life of Canarian society.
The educational action ‘Big Data. Extracting knowledge from data’ will take place from July 15 to 17, at the Multipurpose Building of Playa de Santiago ‘La Junta,’ from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. In this course, participants will learn to appreciate the importance of data analysis techniques for extracting useful knowledge; recognize the main tasks of knowledge extraction. They will also acquire knowledge to implement knowledge extraction techniques from data, and training in the use of the main digital tools for data analysis. Besides, they will promote a critical attitude towards the conclusions drawn from the data, and identify the dangers and ethical and moral implications of data collection and analysis.
The Summer University of La Gomera will resume its activities in September, concluding the educational journey with the course ‘Canarias and América: five centuries of cultural transit,’ which will take place from September 16 to 18 in San Sebastián, at the Plenary Hall of the Council. In this course, students will learn to analyze the historical and cultural links between the Canary Islands and America from the first contacts to the present, understanding the role of the Canary Islands and La Gomera as a strategic point in the communication and trade routes between Europe, Africa, and America, and appreciating the mutual influence between both regions.
Certificate of Attendance, Aptitude, and Recognition for Credits
The University of La Laguna, through the Vice-Rectorate of Culture and University Extension, will issue a certificate of attendance to all those who attend a minimum of 80% of the face-to-face teaching hours. Furthermore, those who successfully complete the student’s independent work will receive a certificate of attendance and achievement, recognized for 1 or 2 ECTS credits.
