Minister Giuseppe Valditara introduces mandatory classroom cleaning by students

The Italian education ministry has intensified efforts to reform the civic attitudes of youth by introducing specific cleaning duties. Minister Giuseppe Valditara signed a circular obliging students to leave classrooms in impeccable condition. The guidelines cover not only classrooms but also laboratories, gyms, and toilet facilities. This initiative draws direct inspiration from the Japanese educational model, where care for the shared environment is considered a fundamental element of character formation and a sense of responsibility for the common good. The ministry emphasizes that the new practice is not merely technical but a form of active civic education. The ministry has allocated 30 million euros to support educational projects in environmental protection and the revitalization of school green spaces. This aims to counteract the growing phenomenon of vandalism and lack of respect for public property, which in the past generated high renovation costs. In his latest announcements, Minister Valditara also declared record financial support for the southern region of the country, pledging over 2 billion euros for the modernization of educational facilities in Campania. The Italian school system has struggled for decades with underfunded infrastructure, leading to the degradation of many historic school buildings, especially in the southern part of the country. These measures have met with mixed public reception. While supporters praise the promotion of self-discipline and a work ethic, critics point to deep structural problems that classroom cleaning alone will not solve. Trade unions emphasize that Italian education primarily requires an increase in technical staff positions and thorough renovations. However, the ministry defends its vision, arguing that school should teach life in society through concrete gestures of respect for the environment and the work of others. „Prendersi cura delle aule, dei laboratori, delle palestre e dei servizi igienici favorisce l’acquisizione di buone abitudini e il rispetto dei beni.” (Taking care of classrooms, laboratories, gyms, and sanitary facilities promotes the acquisition of good habits and respect for property.) — Giuseppe Valditara The rules are to be implemented systematically in all types of institutions, with particular emphasis on secondary schools. The program combines a conservative emphasis on authority with a modern approach to ecology and sustainable development, which is intended to translate into a permanently higher quality of the learning environment.