Students from the Escola Municipal Prada in Limeira, São Paulo, have officially returned to their studies this Friday, marking a significant step in the community's recovery. The return comes exactly one week after a devastating fire completely destroyed their original school building on the first of the month.
The municipal education authority has implemented a swift relocation plan to minimize disruption. Approximately 300 students are now being accommodated in two separate temporary structures that have been adapted for educational use. This logistical effort ensures that learning can continue with as little interruption as possible following the traumatic event.
The youngest learners, those in the early childhood education program, have been transferred to the Emeief Major José Levy Sobrinho school located in the Jardim Esteves neighborhood. This facility is situated just 500 to 600 meters from the site of the original Prada school, providing a convenient and familiar-feeling alternative for the young children and their families.
Meanwhile, the older students, comprising the elementary school cohorts, are now attending classes at the Centro de Formação do Professor. This teacher training center is part of the Municipal Secretariat of Education's headquarters in the Parque Cidade area. The space has been organized to host six classrooms, accommodating a total of 12 different class groups throughout the day, split evenly between morning and afternoon sessions.
Municipal Education Secretary Antônio Montesano Neto confirmed the distribution plan. He noted that while the temporary solution addresses the immediate crisis, it also highlights a broader infrastructure challenge. According to the secretary, 37 schools in the municipality currently lack the mandatory Fire Department Inspection Certificate (AVCB), including the Secretariat building now hosting the displaced students.
The secretary added that during the current administration, 19 school units have been brought into compliance with fire safety regulations. The focus now is on ensuring the continuity of education for the Prada school community while longer-term solutions for their permanent facility are explored.
Based on reporting from g1.