The mayor of Santander, Gema Igual, attended the unveiling of a plaque this week that certifies Sardinero school as part of the TEI programme. Accompanied by the councillor for Family, Zulema Gancedo, the mayor joined students in the ceremony marking the school's inclusion in this initiative aimed at preventing violence and promoting coexistence in educational institutions.
The TEI programme, which began in the 2002-03 academic year, currently operates in 25 educational centres and 51 training stages across the city. Its focus is on fostering empathy and values among children, with older students trained to become effective mentors and friends who can help resolve conflicts, serving as role models for younger peers.
The unveiling of this plaque recognises the efforts and commitment of the entire educational community at Sardinero school towards ensuring student well-being and fostering a positive school environment. It reaffirms the school's dedication to an education based on respect, cooperation, and kindness, where every student feels supported, protected, and valued.
About the TEI programme
The TEI programme is a community-based initiative designed to prevent violence and bullying in schools. It aims to improve school integration and promote an inclusive and non-violent educational environment, encouraging more satisfying relationships among peers. The programme is built on emotional mentoring between students, with respect, empathy, and commitment as its foundational pillars.
- In Secondary education: Year 3 students act as emotional mentors for Year 1 students.
- In Primary education: Year 5 students mentor Year 3 students.
- In Early Childhood education: 5-year-olds mentor 3-year-olds.
- In Vocational Training: Basic Vocational Training students are mentored by second-year students in the Intermediate Vocational Training programme.
Three working teams focused on research and evaluation are dedicated to the development and innovation of the TEI programme, based at the ICE of the University of Barcelona, the University of Santiago de Compostela, and the University of Alicante. The theoretical and structural development of the programme began in 1999, based on the original idea of Andrés González Bellido, with its implementation in educational centres starting in the 2002-2003 academic year. Currently, 25 educational centres and 51 training stages in Santander participate in the TEI programme, including schools such as Antonio Mendoza, José Arce Bodega, Menéndez Pelayo, and IES Alisal, among others.
