Establishment of an Infant Day-Care Nursery in Meran

Austrian Monarchy.

Meran, 9 Feb. For years our municipal magistrate has endeavoured to secure a good education for the children of destitute parents, thereby preserving our town from a ruinous proletariat. To this end, it sought to place poor children with worthy foster parents, mostly well-disposed farmers of the surrounding area, or had them learn a trade from skilled master craftsmen, whereby a great number of poorer children have already been raised to earn an honest living. In the meantime, it became evident that, owing to domestic neglect, the seeds of wildness and degradation were often implanted in the child's mind in earliest infancy, preventing any better influence from taking root later on. To remedy such evils, the local magistrate resolved, on the initiative of the Catholic association, to establish an infant day-care nursery for the children of indigent parents, and sought to inspire the noble women of Meran for such a worthy undertaking. A women's association was formed at once and set to work to care for the poor little ones through a suitable institution. For the time being, it was decided to use the hospital building as premises and to entrust the care of these children to the Sisters of Mercy, who already attend to the care of the sick there. However, only children aged 2 to 6 years who are not yet of school age are to be admitted, and initially only children of indigent parents who, owing to constant employment or because their livelihood keeps them away from home, cannot properly supervise their children during the day. Such children are brought to the institution daily and remain there throughout the day, even receiving food and clothing there. They are to be accustomed to order, cleanliness, and industry, engaged with cheerful games and suitable handicrafts, and given their first useful knowledge through instructive stories, short memory exercises, and songs. The members of the association are obligated to visit the institution frequently. The expenses are met partly through voluntary contributions, partly from the poor fund, and partly from the members' annual contributions of 2 fl. CM. On 2 February, the institution was opened with a cordial address by the burgomaster. The leadership of the association was entrusted to the prudent wife of our district captain, who was particularly active in establishing this women's association. Eighteen children have already been admitted. We can only wish the institution the greatest success. If only demoralisation could be prevented everywhere through such institutions.