The last school lessons in Ostana were held in the year 1971-72. In the following years, the population of this small community in the Po Valley at the foot of the Monviso peak continued to decline. The turnaround was initiated by measures shaping architecture and quality of life, landscape, innovation and new technologies, while the cultural heritage was upgraded. Shops reopened, young people settled here and, after 27 years, another child was born. In September 2022, Ostana opened a kindergarten for toddlers from one to three years old from both the community and for those from neighbouring communities. Silvia Rovere, mayor of Ostana, commented: “This is an exceptional event for our municipality, thanks to the strong cohesion between the administration, the residents and the municipal cooperative. This has enabled us to respond to needs and find innovative solutions.” The facility, which is housed in the “Mizoun de la Villo” – the Alpine Welfare House – is called “O”, after the children's expression of wonderment. The local authority and the “Viso a Viso” cooperative founded this facility, which is indispensable for families: without childcare, they would be forced to move or face great inconvenience. In October 2022, the Ostana Music School for children up to the age of six opened in the same building.

Sources and further information:

www.ilsole24ore.com/art/scuola-riapre-uncem-AEYAOI3B (it), www.ansa.it/piemonte/notizie/2022/09/25/montagna-dopo-50-anni-riapre-una-scuola-a-ostana_a1c7af36-d414-4bc2-be49-d631e38f5bb1.html (it), www.montagna.tv/207865/la-montagna-che-torna-a-vivere-dopo-50-anni-nel-piccolo-borgo-di-ostana-riapre-la-scuola/ (it)