Several open preschools in Gothenburg are at risk of being closed

To Hammarkullen's open preschool there are 30 children and parents every day. But if the proposal goes through closing several open preschools in Gothenburg, it will be forced to close down. Both staff and parents are worried about what will happen.

- We were both disappointed and angry when we found out about the proposal. Politicians need to understand that this business is as important as it is and not shut it down. I think they should see that it is a place for meetings across cultural boundaries and a place where people feel good together, says Andreas Södahl.

For Andreas Södahl, open preschool has meant a lot.

- When I had my first child, before I knew it was open preschool, I felt very lonely and isolated. Then when I realized that this place existed, I came regularly and I felt better simply. It is also valuable for the children to have a parent who is reasonably balanced and to meet other children, he says.

A proposal submitted by the preschool administration to the politicians is to close 11 of Gothenburg's total 21 open preschools. The money should instead go to regular preschool activities. The proposal will be discussed on Tuesday and a decision will be taken on December 16.

- We want to raise the quality of the preschool and then we have looked at how we can raise the basic amount in the child allowance. Then they are several proposals and open preschool, is a proposal and the priorities we want to make to strengthen the core business, says Hakan Önal (M), chair of the preschool board.