Mothers Occupy Unused School in Ponticelli, Naples: A Plea for Education
Naples, January 13, 2026 – A group of mothers, joined by parents and teachers, has occupied an unused school building in the Ponticelli district of Naples, demanding its immediate reopening. The school, which has been renovated with significant funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), has remained closed for an entire year, sparking widespread frustration within the community.
The protest, which took place yesterday morning, saw parents and educators gather in front of the school with banners, calling for the institution to be made available to their children. The demonstration underscores a growing concern among residents about the lack of educational facilities and the delay in utilizing renovated public spaces.
A Year of Closure Despite PNRR Funds
The occupied school building, located in Ponticelli, has been the subject of an extensive renovation project funded by the PNRR. Despite the completion of these works, the school has not yet opened its doors to students, leading to questions about administrative delays and resource allocation.
Local councilor Maura Striano was present at the site of the protest, engaging with the demonstrators and acknowledging their concerns. The presence of a municipal representative suggests that the issue has garnered attention at the local government level, potentially paving the way for a resolution.
Community’s Frustration and Related Incidents
The occupation in Ponticelli is not an isolated incident. The prolonged closure of the school has been a point of contention for months, with various stakeholders voicing their dismay. Related reports highlight similar issues:
- Teachers Write to Minister Valditara: On January 11, 2026, teachers from the “De Filippo” school wrote to Minister Valditara, emphasizing the denial of the right to education due to school closures.
- Unusable Bathrooms and Water Leaks: Reports from January 8, 2026, detailed that another school in Naples had been closed for several months due to unusable bathrooms and water leaks, with the municipality reportedly lacking funds for repairs.
These incidents collectively paint a picture of systemic challenges within the local education infrastructure, where renovated facilities remain inaccessible and existing ones suffer from maintenance issues.
The Call for Action
The mothers and teachers involved in the Ponticelli occupation are united in their demand for swift action. They emphasize the urgent need for educational spaces for their children and the responsible utilization of public funds. The banners displayed during the protest conveyed clear messages, reflecting the community’s determination to see the school operational.
The situation in Ponticelli serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of effective project management and timely execution in public infrastructure initiatives, particularly when they concern the fundamental right to education. The community awaits a concrete response from local authorities regarding the immediate future of the renovated school.
