In Emilia-Romagna, primary schools have opened early for 8,000 children

Fencing, circus workshops, theatre, games, homework support and socialising. For around 8,000 children in Emilia-Romagna, primary schools opened today, 31 August, two weeks before the official start of term, scheduled for 15 September. All this is thanks to ‘Settembre insieme’, a pilot scheme launched by the Region to help families balance work and childcare during the long school holidays. It is the only scheme of its kind in Italia. The project, which is free and voluntary, is funded by the Region with three million euros and involves around 150 school complexes across the 42 municipalities covered by the Urban Transformative Agendas for Sustainable Development (ATUSS). In Bologna, 1,700 children from 22 schools have taken part.

The children were welcomed to the Scadellara School in Bologna by the mayor, Matteo Lepore, and the president of the region, Michele de Pascale, alongside the regional councillor for education, Isabella Conti, and the municipal councillor, Daniele Ara. “Today is a very important day for Emilia-Romagna,” emphasised De Pascale and Conti. “Through a scheme that is unique in Italia, we are providing a concrete response to the needs of families and parents, transforming the period before the start of the school year into an opportunity for growth and socialising.”

“For us, this is a very positive trial, because it meets the needs of families, and we believe this is more feasible in Emilia-Romagna than in other regions thanks to the many investments that began 60 years ago.” “From next year,” announced de Pascale and Conti, “the scheme will become permanent and be extended to all local authorities in Emilia-Romagna.” At the end of September, the regional government will present updated figures on participation and the progress of the pilot scheme.