Sicily: no school for thousands of children with disabilities owing to a lack of assistance with health and hygiene

Subject: Sicily: no school for thousands of children with disabilities owing to a lack of assistance with health and hygiene

On 5 October 2020, the Commission published a communication on achieving the European Education Area by 2025.

Among the proposed measures, the Commission will develop policy guidance in cooperation with Member States and convene a group of experts to develop proposals on strategies for creating supportive learning environments for groups at risk of underachievement and for the establishment of 50 Centres of Vocational Excellence with Erasmus programme funding.

In addition, the Commission points out that governments, together with stakeholders, should foster inclusive education across all sectors of education and training in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In a note of 23 September, the SGB trade union informed the Commission1 of the situation of parents and workers in Sicilian schools, who for decades have been providing personal hygiene assistance to students with severe disabilities.

The Bureau of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) for Sicily2, referring to CGA opinion No 115 of 8 May 20203 on the powers of the State and the Region, called for this serious problem to be resolved.

In view of this:

What is the Commission’s opinion of this emergency?

Does the Region of Sicily meet the necessary requirements for the establishment of one of the 50 Centres of Vocational Excellence announced?

1 Note from the Sindacato Generale di Base (SGB)

2 https://www.anci.sicilia.it/assistenza-igienico-personale-per-alunni-disabili-anci-sicilia-sollecita-lufficio-

scolastico-regionale-ad-assicurare-la-funzionalita-delle-scuole-comunali/ 3 Opinion attached

Answer given by Ms Gabriel on behalf of the European Commission

(14 January 2021)

In accordance with Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States remain responsible for the content of teaching and the organisation of their education systems. The Commission only has a supporting role, fostering cooperation between Member States.

Inclusive and high quality education is at the heart of this cross border cooperation as set out in the new Commission plan for achieving a European Education Area by 2025 (4).

This plan includes the ‘Pathways to School Success’ initiative and the creation of an expert group on supportive learning environments for groups at risk and well-being at school. The new Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 (5) has inclusion as a guiding principle across its 14 actions.

The new Strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities is under preparation (6). While details are still subject to consultation, inclusive education will be a priority to be addressed in the new strategy.

The Commission proposal for the future Erasmus programme (2021-2027) foresees support for European Centres of Vocational Excellence contributing to regional development, innovation, and smart specialisation. The programme is currently under negotiations.

If agreed by the European Parliament and the Council, it is expected that any public or private organisation active in the field of vocational education and training, or in the world of work, including providers of vocational education and training, companies, or regional development authorities would be able to apply to participate in such Centres.

⋅1∙ Note from the Sindacato Generale di Base (SGB)

⋅2∙ https://www.anci.sicilia.it/assistenza-igienico-personale-per-alunni-disabili-anci-sicilia-sollecita-lufficio-scolastico-regionale-ad-assicurare-la-funzionalita-delle-

scuole-comunali/

⋅3∙ Opinion attached

⋅4∙ COM/2020/625 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0625

⋅5∙ COM/2020/624 final — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1602778451601&uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0624

⋅6∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12603-Union-of-Equality-European-Disability-Rights-Strategy












| | )The 2021 Erasmus programme guide, which will be published in the coming months, should include extensive information about the specific application requirements.