Madrid opens 105 public schools at Christmas with unique workshops and activities

Madrid is surprising people this Christmas with schools staying open. More than a hundred centres are offering workshops and games. Find out how they help families. What activities can children enjoy? Do not miss the details of this pioneering initiative.

The Community of Madrid has launched a special initiative this Christmas: 105 state schools in 65 municipalities are opening their doors during the holidays to offer sports and music workshops and recreational activities for schoolchildren. The aim is to help families balance work and family life on non-school days and enrich young people’s education.

The Minister for Education, Emilio Viciana, visited CEIP León Felipe de Arganda del Rey to see how the workshops were progressing, which range from sport to healthy habits. The proposal is part of the regional government’s aid programme, launched last school year, which funds the opening of educational centres during holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter.

Collaboration between the Community of Madrid and local councils allows the councils, which are responsible for state schools, to apply for and organise the activities. In addition, the offer is expanded with study support, reinforcement classes, languages and artistic activities during school days.

This school year, the Community has added the Open Playgrounds initiative, which allows pupils to enjoy school playgrounds and libraries in the afternoon once the school day has ended. In this way, Madrid is committed to a well-rounded education and to responding to families’ needs during the holidays.