Campus Africa closed its latest edition this Friday in La Laguna, consolidating itself as a space for reflection and cooperation between Africa, Europe and the Canary Islands. The programme, which takes place every summer at the ULL, seeks to promote knowledge, research and the formation of intercontinental networks.
During two weeks of activity, 54 young scholarship holders from Senegal and Cape Verde took part in more than fifty conferences and workshops. Discussions addressed issues such as health, human rights, equality and sustainable development, fostering the exchange of experiences and the creation of lasting academic links.
The closing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Tenerife, in the presence of representatives of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Tenerife, the University of La Laguna and African delegations. Authorities and speakers agreed on the programme's capacity to build bridges and generate opportunities for international collaboration.
Rector Francisco García defined the meeting as a "transformative forum" that helps to understand the complexity of the African continent and to eliminate prejudices. The co-directors José Gómez Soliño, Inmaculada González and Basilio Valladares underlined the commitment of the institutions and the vocation of the project to promote social change through education and young talent.
The final conference was given by the paediatrician Luis Ortigosa and focused on the Balmis expedition (1803-1806), considered the first international scientific mission against smallpox. Ortigosa recalled that Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the starting point of the historic vaccination campaign, the effects of which lasted until the disease was eradicated in the 20th century.
Source: ull.es