Teachers urge delayed school start in Italy amid severe heat
Italy is currently experiencing a wave of extreme heat. Unions and teachers are calling to postpone the school year's inauguration. However, not everyone is optimistic about this idea.
Italy is going through one of the hottest heatwaves in history. It is especially hot in schools, where air conditioning is not always available. Consequently, several Italian politicians and educational organisations have requested an extension of the holiday period.
The holiday extension is intended to improve working and learning comfort
Representatives of the teaching community argue that climate change necessitates changes in the school calendar. In a petition to the Minister of Education, Giuseppe Valditara, they noted that efforts should be made to minimise the risk of fainting and other health problems that students and teachers may face due to high temperatures.
With this heat it is absurd to start lessons by mid-September, preferably October. It takes common sense and foresight. Production cycles must also change and the public administration must initiate these changes according to the climate, said Marcello Pacifico, National Association of Teachers and Educators president.
Not everyone supports the idea of extending the holidays
The idea of extending the holidays, however, does not appeal to everyone. Parents, in particular, oppose postponing the return to school date. They argue that they will be additionally burdened with the cost and strain of organising their children's free time.
Another reason against extending the holidays is the potential weakening of children's cognitive abilities and their interaction with peers. The final decision, however, rests with the Minister of Education.
The school year in Italy will start on 5 September in Bolzano, in the north of Italy, as soon as possible. In other regions, children will return to school by mid-September.
