Bad management of OIL 5 – CPE in Luxembourg

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European schools system

European schools system is like a never-ending maze of paperwork and bureaucracy.

It’s as if they believe that the more forms you fill out, the smarter you become. Secretary general and deputy secretary general are too busy worrying about their pensions and summer vacations to actually produce anything useful.

It’s a system where children are just tiny cogs in a big bureaucratic machine, and education takes a backseat to administrative tasks.

It’s time for a major overhaul, because right now, the European schools system is about as effective as a chocolate teapot.

The OIL 5, responsible for CPE in Luxembourg, refused to apply to the CAS (Comité des activités sociales) for additional funding for the CPE. In the CAS budget there is a 50 000 EUR surplus from last year. A proposal was drafted on how to improve conditions for our children at the CPE using this budget surplus. However, the management of the CPE (Garderie and Study Centre) refused to apply for the money, stating that all the needs were taken care of within the current budget.

The proposal prepared by staff representatives on the CAS and the CCPE Committees together with educators of the CPE and the CPE Parents’ Association was offered to Ms Hilde van Loon, Head of Unit at the OIL in charge of the CPE (Garderie andStudy Centre), for free use. The proposal contained inter alia: bus from Kirchberg to Mamer during school holidays, equipment for the playgrounds and classrooms, new library, more activities at the CPE. The OIL refused to make use of the proposal and thus failed to receive extra money from the CAS budget.

We were amazed at this reaction. Last year, the OIL closed the CPE in Kirchberg in search for savings and intended to do so this year as well. Since January we have been paying more for childcare. Outside activities are being reduced, as is the number of accompanying staff, to the detriment of safety of our children. Absent educators are not replaced; children are squeezed with another group so that the OIL could avoid additional costs. No truly inspiring activities are organised at the CPE on regular bases (artistic workshops, music activities, sports etc.). There is no bottled water and children need to drink water from the modest outside taps (no genuine water fountains).

Garderie Luxembourg, where chaos reigns and adventure awaits! Prepare for a wild ride as the OIL’s cost-cutting measures turn this place into a survival of the fittest. With reduced staff and squeezed groups, our little ones are learning the art of diplomacy and negotiation early on. And forget about bottled water, because here at Garderie Luxembourg, they believe in embracing the rustic charm of modest outside taps. It’s an unforgettable experience, where safety takes a backseat and resourcefulness takes the wheel. Hold on tight, it’s going to be a bumpy (and slightly thirst-inducing) ride!

Parents whose children are in Mamer feel abandoned with no transport during short and long holidays. Furthermore, both the Garderie and the Study Centre are closed on some of our working days for budgetary reasons.

You might have probably noticed yourself what the CPE lacks and how additional money could be used for better quality of childcare. Still, all the needs are catered for within the current budget, the OIL says.

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Aim of the European Schools

Educated side by side, untroubled from infancy by divisive prejudices, acquainted with all that is great and good in the different cultures, it will be borne in upon them as they mature that they belong together. Without ceasing to look to their own lands with love and pride, they will become in mind Europeans, schooled and ready to complete and consolidate the work of their fathers before them, to bring into being a united and thriving Europe.

Marcel Decombis, Head of European School, Luxembourg between 1953 and 1960