To guarantee balanced schooling and ensure universal access to first-cycle childhood education

The handicap in access to education for ages 0-3 years particularly affects children from needy families, and social background is the primary cause behind differences in educational outcomes and expectations. Priority must be given to children at risk of poverty by offering grants to cover the direct and indirect costs of education and by launching campaigns to raise awareness and generate demand, particularly among vulnerable groups. Progress must be made with regard to the decree governing admission of students and balanced schooling that substantially reduces school segregation and achieves more equitable distribution of students must be assured.