New school year: Romanian Govt. allocates funds for tablets and protective equipment

The Romanian government passed on Monday, August 24, an emergency ordinance earmarking EUR 175 million from non-reimbursable external funds for the purchase of tablets and sanitary equipment for the start of the new school year.

A total of EUR 100 million is earmarked for the purchase of tablets and electronic devices for approximately 500,000 students, Ionel Danca, the head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, announced on Monday, Rfi.ro reported. The tablets will help students to have access to online courses.

Funds worth EUR 50 million will be used to cover expenses related to sanitary and medical protection materials for schools, namely masks and disinfectants.

Danca also said that EUR 25 million would be allocated for the purchase of mobile sanitary containers. The government will also earmark EUR 5,000 per container to connect the sanitary containers to the water and sewerage infrastructure. These containers will have toilets, sinks, and running water.

Local authorities, the county school inspectorates, and the school units can apply for these funds, Ionel Danca also said.

“They can apply individually or in partnership and request the reimbursement of expenses made in these categories from October. However, it’s important to know that purchases made from August 1 can also be reimbursed. Basically, local authorities that have purchased tablets for students, electronic devices for online education, masks, health protection materials since August 1 are eligible for reimbursement and can apply for funding from the Ministry of European Funds from October,” Danca explained.

The new school year will start on September 14 in Romania, with new safety rules for both students and teachers.

(Photo source: Gov.ro)