Italian Ministry funds school cooling devices

The Italian Ministry of Education and Merit has released funding to help schools improve microclimatic comfort in classrooms through cooling devices. A total of 20 million euros was made available nationwide to address heat-related issues in educational environments.

In the Umbria region, 120 schools have been granted funds. In the Viterbo province, 35 institutions will receive a total of 110,374 euros. Each participating school is allocated approximately 3,153 euros.

Critics note that the individual amount is insufficient for installing full air conditioning systems and may only cover portable units or fans. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara defended the measure as an extraordinary and rapid response to an emergency, stating that the funds can allow for the purchase of mobile air conditioners for many classrooms.