“A solution may exist without financial burdens on the institution, but it requires everyone’s willingness, as this is a problem for all,” stated Paulo Jorge Silva, the primary signer of a petition submitted to the Azorean parliament, which was reviewed by the Social Affairs Committee in Horta.
The petition, signed by approximately 250 individuals, highlights that “many parents work shifts” and start at 8:00 AM, necessitating the use of private daycares and leisure activities (ATL) to care for their children before school begins.
“Considering the best interests of children, the importance of ensuring their care in a safe and supervised environment, and promoting work-life balance, we request that the school be considered to open its doors at 7:45 AM, allowing students to be dropped off by their guardians in a timely and relaxed manner,” the petition states.
Emphasizing that parents do not advocate for changes to school hours, but “only that the school gates open earlier to accommodate” the children, Paulo Jorge Silva reiterated that the issue can be simply resolved with “goodwill” from all parties involved.
Hildeberto Peixoto, the head of the Executive Council of the Escola Básica e Integrada da Horta, also addressed regional deputies, claiming insufficient staff to extend the school’s operation hours.
Furthermore, he added, the issue impacts a minimal number of parents.
“It doesn’t seem, from the feedback I’ve received, that there are many such cases, but I acknowledge that parents starting work at eight in the morning, or even earlier, face this problem,” he stated.
He reminded, however, that Faial Island offers several private daycares and ATLs that parents can use in the morning, and questioned whether advancing hours could negatively affect children.
“Leaving a child at school 75 minutes before the start of school activities does not contribute to their happiness unless activities are provided through an ATL program designed to accommodate these children,” insisted Peixoto.
The regional secretary for Education, Culture, and Sports, Sofia Ribeiro, also consulted by the Social Affairs Committee on the matter, expressed no objection to the Escola Básica e Integrada da Horta opening earlier. However, she cautioned that setting this precedent could lead other parents in the region to demand similar arrangements.
“There is a regulatory framework for another type of operation regime, such as that requested by the petitioners. The issue lies in the supervision required for students, which pertains not only to the Escola Básica e Integrada da Horta, as opening this precedent may extend to other schools in the region,” she noted.
The Social Affairs Committee will now prepare a final report on the issue before presenting it at a regional legislative assembly plenary session.
