Six out of ten students started the new school year without all the necessary supplies, and 10% of children have barely managed to buy a notebook and a pen, while almost 80% of parents are facing financial difficulties to cover the expenses related to the school.
6 out of 10 students had no supplies and backpacks at the beginning of the school year / Photo source: Conde.ro
The sad figures of Romania: the so-called free school costs parents enormously. 60% of students had no school materials or backpacks at the beginning of the school year
6 out of 10 students started school without all the necessary supplies. More serious, 10% of schoolchildren could barely buy a notebook and a pen. Almost 80% of parents hardly bear the expenses for supplies, clothing or extracurricular activities. Due to the lack of money, this autumn 30% gave up to take the children to a sport, foreign language courses or meditations, according to antena3.ro.
The so-called free school costs parents enormously: almost 2,000 euros annually, one third more than 3 years ago. They all increased, but the salaries stagnated. Thus, many families cut off the list that they can no longer buy.
Most shortcomings are in terms of supplies.
Over half of the students cannot afford to buy their notebooks, collections, pencils or pens. Moreover, almost 14% have no money for sports equipment, and 13% go to school without a backpack.
“12% told us that they have almost nothing, and this is caused by the lack of resources. They are generally children from rural areas, from vulnerable environments, but not only. There are children who learn in high school.”added Andreea Bujor, communication director World Vision Romania
Parents buy the supplies gradually and others hunt discounts
Many families buy supplies and clothes for school in time and gradually. Others hunt discounts or carefully keep clothing from older children.
“A big expense, of course. Clothes, slippers, backpack … I have been looking for discounts, as we still find on the Internet,” said a parent.
“The budget is large. About 1,000 lei per child must be dressed. We also use what we have, that we must be reconditioned”, said another.
“It’s pretty hard. You’ve got me because they are educators and I understand both sides”added someone else.
Precisely because the teachers understand the efforts of the parents, they made lists with the strictly necessary supplies.
“I think 4 out of 10 children, according to the study, have given up some activities on education after school or gave up all,” Andreea Bujor added.
For example, 6% do not go to meditations or do not practice a sport, the source said.
