Small Pyrenees village reopens school after 14 years hoping to attract new families

Saldes, a town of 300 residents in northern Berguedà in the Pyrenees, has reopened its school after 14 years without one.

Following a complete restoration of the building, which was originally constructed in the 1940s, six local children can now attend school in their own town.

The school currently only offers kindergarten, but plans to expand to primary education next year to attract more students.

For the past 14 years, parents have had to drive their children to schools in neighboring villages on mountainous roads.

The lack of a local school was a major factor in causing many families to leave the village.

"In order for young people to stay in the town, we have to provide all the basic services they need," says Dolors Jiménez, the mayor of Saldes.

The school's reopening is part of the town hall's broader strategy to "bring life back" to Saldes by attracting young families.

The village, one of the oldest in Berguedà in terms of demographics, hopes to reverse the trend of an aging population.

One of the school's greatest strengths is its small size. " The fact that the school is so small makes it feel like a big family," says Pilar Soler, the school's director.

"We see each other a lot, we talk a lot. The attention is very personal and individualized. We are two people for six students, which is a luxury," she adds.

With two teachers and six students currently enrolled, the school anticipates growth when it introduces primary education next year.

The expansion aims to bring back local students who previously attended schools outside of Saldes and attract new families to the village.

Reopening the school, however, was not without its challenges. The 1940s building required extensive renovations at a cost of €360,000.

"This historic building has undergone many transformations over the years," says Mayor Jiménez. "It has served as a town hall, a Guardia Civil station, a school, a family room, and a library. It’s a symbol of Saldes."