by InTrieste
The Municipality of Trieste has opened applications for its school crossing volunteer program for the 2026-27 academic year, seeking residents aged 50 and older to help supervise children outside the city’s primary schools.
The initiative, commonly known as the “nonni vigili” (“grandparent crossing guards”) program, assigns volunteers to assist pupils during arrival and dismissal times, helping improve safety around school entrances.
According to the municipality, applicants must be at least 50 years old by Aug. 19, 2026, and have lived in Trieste for at least five years. Volunteers who participated in the program during the previous school year are only required to maintain current residency in the city.
Individuals who are currently employed are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they meet the physical and psychological requirements for the role. This can be done by holding a standard driver’s license (Category A or B or higher) or by providing a medical certificate confirming they meet the health requirements necessary to obtain such a license.
The municipality said applicants may submit a valid ISEE income certification, which will be used in preparing the selection ranking. Applications without an ISEE value will still be accepted but will be assigned the highest income level for ranking purposes.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, using the official form available on the municipality’s website. They may be delivered in person to the San Sebastiano barracks or the city’s public service office, or sent via certified email (PEC), together with a copy of a valid identity document.
Applications received after the deadline will remain eligible but will be placed at the end of the ranking list and considered only if vacancies arise during the school year.
The municipality noted that the program remains subject to final administrative approval and the allocation of the necessary funding.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Caterina de Gavardo, Trieste’s councilor for public safety policies, described the volunteers as “a concrete example of altruism, responsibility and dedication to the community,” saying their work provides valuable support to children, families and the city throughout the school year.
