In an effort to reduce social inequalities, a total of 2,317 students in fifteen city neighbourhoods will be able to enjoy free extra-curricular activities based around culture, art and science, thanks to the “Caixa d’eines” project by the Neighbourhood Plan. The initiative corresponds to measure 4 of the Cultural Rights Plan: “Culture and Education”, which regards culture and education as two inseparable spheres that must be addressed jointly.

“Caixa d’eines” (literally, ‘toolbox’) introduces artistic practices in classroom hours at schools in a move to reduce cultural inequalities between city neighbourhoods. The programme continues to grow this year, coinciding with the expansion of the Neighbourhood Plan, currently operating in 23 city neighbourhoods.

This year will see 440,000 euros used to offer 146 weekly workshops and activities at 51 centres: 31 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, 9 all-through schools and 1 special education centre. The “Caixa d’eines” project is operating in the following neighbourhoods: Bon Pastor, Baró de Viver, Trinitat Vella, El Besòs i el Maresme, Trinitat Nova, Les Roquetes, Verdun, Turó de la Peira, La Prosperitat, Ciutat Meridiana, Torre Baró, Vallbona, El Raval, El Gòtic, Poble-sec and El Carmel.

All areas covered by the Neighbourhood Plan will be offering extra-curricular activities of an artistic or scientific nature this year. The way these are managed, what is offered, which organisations collaborate and which age group they are aimed at varies from one neighbourhood to another, the idea being to try different methodologies so their impact can be assessed afterwards.