The municipality participates in the buddy ride for children who live in the countryside • “You are alone for quite a long time”
For over a year, 11-year-old Inez Andersson has not been able to bring a friend home after school. The municipality of Sjöbo has withdrawn the buddy ride for all children who have to be transported to school and who live in the countryside.
– Those who live in the village can be with each other when they want, but we who ride the bus can’t, says Inez Andersson.
In class five at Lövestad school, half of the children have school transport and they are upset about the municipality’s decision.
– It’s really bad. Children should be able to play with whom they want and when they want. So there is no talking about it, they should be able to do that, says Sixten Rasmusson, 11 years old.
11-year-old Wilma Jimmysdotter says that her parents work late.
– You are alone for quite some time. It’s kind of empty. You don’t really have anything to do.
Municipalities can do different things
According to the Education Act, municipalities are obliged to organize school transport, but it is not regulated whether the children can bring a friend or not. It is up to each municipality to decide and therefore it looks different. In Sjöbo municipality, the decision is about safety and finances.
– If something were to happen, we must be able to know where the children are. It can be solved, but that solution is not in place in Sjöbo and it is associated with quite a lot of administration and high costs. Right now we don’t have a system and we haven’t prioritized it, says Rickard Sjöholm (M), chairman of the Sjöbo municipality’s family committee.
Becomes an outsider
The children in Lövestad have pressed for change, written letters and contacted politicians.
– I think it’s just as bad as the students, because we want them to socialize and have a good free time. You don’t want them to be isolated at home, says teacher Jeanette Wiberg.
Jeanette Wiberg and the students believe that it affects those who live in rural areas.
– It is important that all children have the same conditions regardless of where they live. We want a vibrant countryside and for people to move here, but if they move in more and more, people won’t move here, says Jeanette Wiberg.
And Inez Andersson does not think that the politicians listen to the children.
– There will be exclusion for those who live in the countryside and for those who take the bus. It is unfair.
– It feels sad and lonely, not so fun, says Inez.