Bari invests in schools: 57 educational projects funded for €163.

The Department of Education and Youth Policies of the Municipality of Bari he made the note list Regarding the public notice addressed to state schools and comprehensive institutes in the city for funding socio-cultural, recreational, and educational projects conceived and promoted directly by the schools. This initiative confirms the municipal administration's commitment to supporting educational programs that have a tangible impact on student growth and the quality of the city's educational offerings.

A call designed to involve students, families and teachers

The central objective of the municipal call was to promote projects that would foster collaborative participation among students, teachers, and families, with real cultural, educational, and training benefits. The evaluation criteria rewarded project quality, innovative proposals, and the ability to address the emerging needs of Bari's school community.

The numbers of the 2025 edition: 57 funded projects

For the 2025 edition, a total of 57 projects were funded, out of 67 proposals submitted, for a total amount of €163,000. Grants awarded range from €1,000 to €5,000 for each project, based on the scores assigned by the selection committee, confirming a distribution of resources geared towards merit and educational impact.

The awarded thematic areas and educational priorities

The funded projects cover a broad spectrum of educational areas. Special attention was paid to students' physical and mental well-being, art and music education, support for students with disabilities or disadvantaged backgrounds, nutrition and environmental education, and educational continuity programs. Targeted interventions were also included to combat school dropout, promote critical and informed use of social media, and promote legality, demonstrating an educational vision that is sensitive to contemporary challenges.

Psychophysical well-being and inclusion are at the heart of the call for proposals

The 2025 edition placed particular emphasis on innovative ideas related to the physical and mental well-being of students. Particular attention was given to inclusive pet therapy programs, yoga, movement, and health workshops, as well as music therapy, biomusic, and art therapy activities. Many projects involve the permanent presence of a pedagogue to support the school community.

Digital innovation and active citizenship in schools

Digital innovation has also been given significant importance. Funded projects include initiatives that transform the school newspaper into a fully-fledged web resource, crowdsourcing experiences inspired by the digital encyclopedia model, and active citizenship workshops dedicated to understanding and promoting the local area, starting with its identity and history.

The strength of territorial networks and the third sector

A distinctive feature of the call was the enhancement of schools' networking capabilities. Schools that successfully established stable partnerships with existing local services, associations, and third-sector organizations were recognized for their ability to ensure the long-term continuity of the funded projects, strengthening the bond between school and community.

The words of the Councilor for Knowledge Vito Lacoppola

«When a school community grows, the entire city grows too», commented the Councillor for Knowledge of the Municipality of Bari, Vito Lacoppola, emphasizing the administration's pride in supporting creative, innovative, and inclusive projects. Lacoppola emphasized how Bari schools continue to amaze with the quality of their offerings and their ability to consolidate educational programs over time, which have become true landmarks for the city.

New thematic areas and responses to current needs

Compared to previous editions, the call for proposals has introduced new thematic areas for the first time, including education on the critical use of social media, parenting support, student mental and physical well-being, legal education, nutrition and environmental education, social inclusion, interculturalism, and combating school dropout. These choices were made based on a constant listening to the needs expressed daily by families and school communities.

Historical projects and educational continuity for the city

The municipal administration has also sought to strengthen initiatives capable of creating stable and lasting networks. Examples cited include the "Notte Bianca" (White Night) program at the De Nittis Pascali Art and Dance High School, the online school newspaper "in/out" (in/out) at the Loi Santomauro Comprehensive School, "Le pietre che parlare" (Speaking Stones) at the Umberto I San Nicola Institute, and the "Interviews in... the Porter's Lodge" program at the Amedeo D'Aosta Middle School, well-established projects that have enriched the Bari education landscape for years.

The role of comprehensive schools and the Zerosei program

Finally, particular attention was paid to the role of state comprehensive schools as lead schools for the Zerosei joint education network agreements, consistent with the process initiated by the Municipality of Bari through the States General of Childhood. This strategic investment aims to strengthen educational continuity from early childhood and build an increasingly solid and inclusive educational community.