The Canary Islands Government and the Banco de Alimentos de Las Palmas (BALP) recently held the graduation ceremony for U-Fit (Universities for Integration through Training), an initiative launched within the framework of ERUA and developed in collaboration with the Banco de Alimentos de Las Palmas. The project aims to promote the social and labour market inclusion of young migrants through training and volunteering.
The ceremony took place at the Las Palmas Food Bank’s premises in Mercalaspalmas and brought together participants, volunteers and institutional representatives involved in the project. During this round of the programme, 27 young people completed training as warehouse assistants and food handlers, whilst other participants also obtained forklift operator certificates.
The programme’s results are already translating into real employment opportunities. After completing their training, Sanna, Sadio and Souleyman successfully entered the labour market – a milestone that reflects the impact of U-Fit and its ability to support the social and professional integration of young participants through training tailored to the needs of the business community.
The U-Fit ULPGC project grew out of service-learning and university volunteering initiatives spearheaded by ULPGC lecturers Susan Cranfield, Goretti García and Eva Llorca. Over time, the project has established itself as a model of collaboration between the university, public institutions and social organisations, and has been recognised on two occasions by the European Reform University Alliance for its educational and social impact.
Funded by the Deputy Ministry of the Presidency of the Canary Islands Government through funds earmarked for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, U-Fit promotes initiatives aimed at improving the social and labour market inclusion of young migrants through training, volunteering and institutional collaboration. Furthermore, the project contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
In addition to technical training, participants received Spanish lessons tailored to the workplace, delivered by ULPGC students, as well as occupational health and safety training provided by qualified BALP volunteers. This was complemented by hundreds of hours of voluntary work at the Las Palmas Food Bank, where participants worked alongside university students from various ULPGC degree programmes.
Beyond vocational training, U-Fit aims to create real opportunities for integration and active participation in society by encouraging interaction and collaboration between young migrants and university students. The project creates spaces for socialising, learning and exchange that foster the development of intercultural skills, mutual support and meaningful connections between people from different backgrounds and with different experiences.
Stories such as Sanna’s, who started a new job immediately after completing her training, reflect the human impact of an initiative that brings together education, inclusion and social commitment, demonstrating how collaboration and support can open up new opportunities for the future.
The U-Fit project is an example of the potential of university-led initiatives to generate tangible social impact, connect students with their local communities and build collaborative projects committed to inclusion and equal opportunities.
