The Municipality of Alcoutim approved on September 9th a set of measures to reinforce support for students and families at the start of the school year. The municipality ensures school transportation, funds pre-school education, provides support for school materials, and makes available 40 scholarships designated "Dr. João Dias".
Regarding school transportation, the municipality covers the full cost of passes for students in secondary and vocational education. The measure also covers students in the 3rd cycle who attend schools in Tavira, Vila Real de Santo António, Mértola, and Serpa, when the desired educational offering does not exist at the School Grouping of Alcoutim. Regarding pre-school education, given the absence of a public network, the Municipality provides financial support to Private Social Solidarity Institutions corresponding to the value of the monthly family contribution.
Regarding support for books and school materials, €110 will be granted to students in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycles, €120 to students in secondary and vocational education, and €340 to students attending CET or CTSP courses. To these individual amounts, a collective contribution of €300 per class at the School Grouping of Alcoutim will be added.
Applications for 40 "Dr. João Dias" scholarships will also be opened, intended for students residing in the municipality who attend undergraduate or master's degree courses. Applications run from September 21st to October 2nd. President Paulo Paulino highlighted that education is a priority and that the goal is to ensure that no student fails to continue their studies for economic reasons.
