Families struggling with the cost of the new school year in the municipality of Santa Cruz, Tenerife, will receive €50 cards to help buy essential classroom supplies.
The city council is launching the scheme through an agreement with the DinoSol Foundation. The cards will be distributed to vulnerable households through local organisations, with Bancoteide managing the process.
Officials have not yet confirmed how many cards will be available. The support is intended to ease some of the financial pressure caused by the cost of books, stationery, bags, uniforms and other school essentials.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez said the start of the school year places a huge financial burden on many households, particularly those already experiencing economic difficulties.
The city council will also provide an early drop-off service from the first day of term on 9th September. The €420,000 programme is designed to help parents and guardians whose working hours begin before the normal school day.
More than €1 million has also been invested in improvements to public schools across the municipality this year. Work has included repairing roofs, replacing windows, renovating toilets and improving accessibility, fencing and outdoor areas.
Santa Cruz spends almost €4 million each year on the operation of its public schools, including maintenance, cleaning, electricity, alarms, fire safety systems and lifts.
Although the €50 cards are exclusive to Santa Cruz, several other municipalities have introduced their own back-to-school assistance, including Adeje, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona, Santiago del Teide, Guía de Isora, Candelaria, Güímar and Los Silos, although the amounts and eligibility requirements vary and many application deadlines have already passed. Families should check directly with their local council, as some schemes remain open until 11th September.
