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Firmat, Argentina
Firmat is a city located in the south-west of Santa Fe Province in Argentina. It is a partner city of the Argentine Network of Learning Cities since 2022.
groups
City population
25,000
person
Member since
2024
Vision
As part its vision of lifelong learning, Firmat seeks to strengthen the learning cities programme, in which various actors and institutions are involved in its implementation. Objectives include building partnerships with governmental and non-governmental institutions, improving the awareness and training of municipal officials, creating an implementation plan with the participation of stakeholders, holding public launch events and adjusting the programme for long-term sustainability. The long-term objectives are to foster a learning culture for all ages, improve the learning ecosystem, reduce digital divides and ensure inclusion and accessibility.
In Firmat, learning is a priority. We strive to provide quality education that offers our citizens more equal opportunities.
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Mr Fabio Leonel Maximino
Mayor of Firmat
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
Firmat launched a waste separation initiative that achieved a 60 per cent population participation rate through targeted environmental education and a treatment plant to promote circular economy practices. Moreover, sustainable mobility is encouraged through the Environmental Patrol. The city actively engages in the Circular Entrepreneurs Challenge to improve waste management. As regards health, initiatives include courses, conferences, social sports, kiosks selling healthy foods, and youth-driven disease prevention campaigns and sex education workshops.
Equity and inclusion
The Promover programme supports individuals with disabilities and offers job training for the LGBT+ community. The Municipal Social Cabinet ensures that children follow uninterrupted schooling paths and assists their inclusion in the education system. Firmat actively engages children in city design decisions through consultations and invests in accessible infrastructure, including ramps and inclusive facilities in public places and schools, promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
Through the Secretariat of Production, Environment and Local Development, Firmat collaborates with national and provincial programmes, offering support and guidance to 300 entrepreneurs. The city provides mobile employment services, microcredit options and various training courses to facilitate labour market inclusion. Additionally, the Office of Associativism and Social Economy offers technical assistance and financing to local cooperatives and associations, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
Good practices
Mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists
Firmat became one of the first cities in Argentina to make helmet use compulsory for motorcyclists. This health and safety initiative not only reduced the number of road accidents but also earned the city recognition and an award from the civil association, Luchemos por la Vida, in 2013.
‘Superhéroes Medioambientales’ (Environmental Superheroes)
To further its commitment to environmental sustainability, Firmat introduced the ‘Superhéroes Medioambientales’ programme. This initiative aims to raise awareness about environmental care. It is a creative means of engaging the community, especially children, in proactive environmental care and conservation efforts.
‘Universidad Abierta para Adultos Mayores’ (Open University of Older Adults)
In partnership with the National University of Rosario, Firmat offers the ‘Universidad Abierta para Adultos Mayores’ programme, catering to the learning and development needs of older learners. The programme provides various workshops focusing on cell phone use, painting and memory exercises, among others. This initiative exemplifies the city’s dedication to lifelong learning, ensuring that citizens of all ages have access to educational opportunities.