PORTUGAL’S version of Britain’s traditional lollipop ladies are now being introduced at Lisbon’s schools in order to ensure the greater safety of pupils.
The job that is open to people of both sexes, aged 65 and over, entails the chaperoning of pupils across the roads at the entrances and exits of the borough’s schools and ensuring pupils adhere to civic rules.
A pilot scheme for the programme, that is entitled “Passagem Segura” (safe crossing), started at the beginning of this month at Secundária do Restelo, Básica n×. 69 and Básica do 2× and 3× ciclo Nuno Gonçalves and is planned for introduction at all Lisbon schools when the new academic year begins.
Volunteers are currently being recruited by Lisbon Câmara to operate the new service and will be given two weeks of training prior to starting their duties. In return for their efforts, the câmara will be offering the helpers free social passes (transport and local facility pass) and the schools will supply them with free meals.
