The situation of educational poverty in Puglia has shown worrying trends over the years, with data revealing a persistence of difficulties in the educational sector.
According to the 2023 Eurispes report, Puglia continues to face high levels of school dropout and a significant number of adults with a low level of education.
With, Sardinia and Sicily as well as in Trentino Alto-Adige, Veneto, Piedmont, Val d’Aosta, Puglia records a negative figure with over 60% of the population, aged 19 and over, who have not obtained a diploma. In 2023, the school dropout rate in Puglia is 17.9%, higher than the national average of 13.5%.
This data is consistent with observations from previous years, which show the region’s constant difficulty in significantly reducing school dropout. In the 2022 report, Puglia had already highlighted a critical situation, with 20.2% of the population aged between 19 and 64 without a high school diploma, a value that reflects a historical trend of under-education in the region .
Compared with previous years, the 2019 Eurispes report recorded a similar school dropout rate, around 18%, highlighting that despite the institutions’ efforts, the problem persists over time.
Even in previous years, the graduate rate was low compared to the national average, with only 15% of young people in Puglia holding a degree, a figure that reflects one of the main educational challenges of the region.
To counter this situation, the Puglia Region has launched various initiatives. In 2023, a regional strategy was launched which aims to improve educational provision and reduce educational poverty through an interdisciplinary and integrated approach. This includes strengthening the provision of nursery schools, increasing service vouchers for early childhood, and strengthening the network of socio-educational services, including family centers and cultural foster care projects and educating families. These initiatives aim to create solid foundations for a more inclusive and accessible educational future, seeking to reduce inequalities and improve the quality of education.
However, the implementation of these measures requires time and continuous commitment from regional and national authorities, with the hope of seeing significant improvements in the coming years. The data highlights a persistent educational challenge for Puglia, with high school dropout rates and a low level of education among the population. Recent initiatives represent important steps, but it will be necessary to constantly monitor and evaluate progress to ensure lasting improvement in the educational situation in the region.
