Puglia students denounce inadequate school infrastructure and climate control

The Unione degli Studenti (UdS) Puglia has issued a formal complaint regarding the inadequate conditions of schools in the Puglia region as the new academic year begins. Coordinator Jacopo Lo Russo stated that students and teachers are forced to endure extreme temperatures, with classrooms being excessively hot in the summer and freezing in the winter.

Data reveals that only 4.8% of the 3,977 surveyed school sites possess air conditioning or ventilation systems. This lack of climate control is linked to physical and mental fatigue, dehydration, and decreased concentration among students. In winter, malfunctioning heating systems often force students to bring blankets from home to cope with the cold.

Beyond temperature issues, the association highlighted severe structural concerns. Approximately 70% of school buildings lack updated occupancy certificates, and over 86% have not completed seismic vulnerability assessments despite being in risk areas. Additionally, nearly half of the structures require immediate repairs to plaster, windows, or systems, while 36 regional construction projects remain unfinished due to financial and bureaucratic obstacles.