“As Parents’ Committees of the Cinisello Balsamo schools we are ready to mobilise: we have immediately asked the Municipality for a joint meeting between our representatives, the associations and the Administration to review the decision which we believe is unfair for children and families”. These are the first words written in a statement released by the parents of the Cinisello schools, who do not agree with the new tariff plan envisaged by the municipality for the 2024 summer centers.
It goes from 79 euros per week per boy up to a maximum of 130 euros. A cost that has skyrocketed due to the municipality’s lack of commitment to cover the costs of the meal, which thus ends up being borne by the associations that will manage the camps, and who have no choice but to increase prices. A situation considered unsustainable by the families who are now organizing themselves and asking for the plan to be revised.
“This year the canteen service will be a cost totally borne by the families and for assistance to pupils with disabilities the Administration will no longer provide directly qualified personnel – a fact which previously also allowed for educational continuity – leaving the responsibility of the associations. It is not clear whether the Administration’s contribution for pupils with disabilities will be sufficient to cover the cost of the professional educators that the associations will have to recruit”, continues the parents’ note.
“The price increase ranges from 45% up to 65% for the most expensive summer centres. Furthermore, the cut in the municipal contribution falls only on the public service in collaboration with the associations. The allocation for the summer centers organized by the oratories remained unchanged, amounting to around 80 thousand euros, as in previous years. The increase is not sustainable for many working families, especially if they have multiple children, who need to use the service in the summer months due to school closures (13 weeks in total). Furthermore, the fee is fixed for everyone, it does not take into account the socio-economic condition of the family through the ISEE”.
“The Parents’ Committees of the city of Cinisello Balsamo will therefore meet the Administration and the associations on 8 May to present their request: to restore a public contribution as in previous years, which will allow families to reduce their spending. It is right that children and workers can have a quality service at affordable prices! In the event that the meeting does not prove decisive, a sit-in will be called on 11 May 2024 from 4 pm at the Municipality”, concludes a note.
