The minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migrations, Elma Saiz, has expressed her "support" for families of missing migrants from Senegal, with whom she has committed to preventing irregular migration.
This was highlighted in a meeting with representatives of the Association of mothers and widows victims of irregular migration in Mbour during her three-day trip to Senegal, where she participated in the second International Migration Colloquium.
"It is an honor to meet with this group and express my deepest support for the families of missing migrants from Senegal," the minister said to a group of mothers, sisters, and widows of migrants.
In the same vein, Saiz emphasized the need to promote regular and safe migration routes and to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of irregular routes. "This meeting symbolizes our commitment and solidarity with the victims of irregular migration because every life matters. We are working closely with the Government of Senegal to combat this humanitarian tragedy and offer alternatives that are regular and safe, without posing a danger to the lives of these individuals," she pointed out.
The Association of mothers and widows victims of irregular migration in Mbour focuses on helping women who are left behind, often economically unprotected after the tragedy. They also aim to raise awareness among potential young migrants that there are other possibilities for migration. In this regard, they have requested that the minister "focus the selection of people for circular migration programs in the poorest, coastal areas affected by mafias."
Saiz, on her part, has conveyed the Government’s commitment to "prevent irregular migration and also prevent human losses and dangerous crossings, and combat the mafias that profit from tragedies at sea." She has also reiterated the intention to offer alternative regular migration routes. "Our circular migration projects in Senegal are working very well, and I do not rule out expanding them. Our effort is focused on achieving legal and orderly migration that benefits both nations," she added.
SUMMER COURSES FOR SENEGALESE CHILDREN
Saiz’s travel agenda also included a visit to the Cervantes Institute in Dakar, the first in sub-Saharan Africa. During her visit, the minister presented summer courses for children of Senegalese nationals who have acquired Spanish nationality, which will be launched thanks to an agreement between the Ministry of Inclusion and the Cervantes Institute. "We want to provide these children with access to Spanish language and culture. When children grow up feeling part of a culture and understanding their roots on both shores, they become stronger, more secure, and freer. And they enrich us all," she added.
Senegal is the second country in Africa with the highest number of Spanish students, with 300,000 students each year. Additionally, Spanish is the most chosen option as a second compulsory language among secondary school students.
These courses, which will consist of 60 hours spread over two weeks, will offer general knowledge of Spanish, other co-official languages, and Spanish culture. Upon completion of the courses, the corresponding academic certificate will be issued according to the academic regulations of the Cervantes Institute.
"These courses will allow us to bring the official languages of the State and Spanish culture closer to Senegalese minors with ties to Spain, as well as promote their future social, cultural, and labor integration in our country. This alliance strengthens lasting ties between Spain and Senegal," Saiz explained.