Immediate €6 million allocation for necessary school improvements
In a significant move, Portugal's Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, has emphasised the need for good coordination between city governments and schools for successful educational projects. This call to action comes as the government, led by António Costa, signed an agreement with the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities in 2023.
During a recent press conference, Alexandre spoke about the urgent need for works in schools. The General Directorate of School Establishments (DGEstE) identified an additional 600 schools in need of various interventions, bringing the total number of schools requiring attention to 828. The works, expected to begin soon, will range from insulation of external walls, painting, and asbestos removal to replacing frames, floors, and installing elevators.
The Minister acknowledged that completing the work in the approximately 600 schools by the end of the decade will be challenging. However, he reassured that around 100 schools are already being served, with the works in 28 schools receiving a total funding of 6,008,487.76 euros.
Alexandre also warned about the past lack of investment in schools, which has led to significant degradation of the school network. He emphasised the importance of addressing these issues to ensure safe, inclusive, and quality learning environments for all students.
The Minister further stated that efforts are underway to sign collaboration agreements with more municipalities. As of now, 13 out of 21 municipalities have signed such agreements. The timeline for the completion of works in the additional 600 schools has not been specified, and the details of the interventions for these schools are yet to be disclosed.
In light of these developments, Alexandre urged for continued investment in school infrastructure, focusing on renovation, expansion, and modernization. He highlighted that these efforts are crucial for ensuring a brighter future for Portugal's youth.
For the latest detailed information on the current efforts and challenges in improving school infrastructure in Portugal, it is recommended to check official Portugal government releases or Ministry of Education statements.
- Recognizing the need for quality learning environments, Portugal's Minister of Education, Fernando Alexandre, is urging continued investment in school infrastructure for renovation, expansion, and modernization, as a crucial step towards securing a better future for Portugal's youth in the field of education-and-self-development.
- To achieve successful educational projects and foster learning opportunities, Alexandre emphasizes the importance of addressing the degradation of the school network in Portugal, particularly focusing on the 600 schools requiring various interventions, as part of his plan for improving the overall condition of schools and creating safe and inclusive environments for students.
