On Columbus Day, which celebrates Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America, Italy’s Minister of Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara, and the President and CEO of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Robert Allegrini, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry in Rome to deepen students’ knowledge of Italian emigration, while showcasing Italian best practices in education and the creativity of Made in Italy.
“We want to share the extraordinary story of the Italian emigrants who crossed the Atlantic and, through their courage, talent and hard work, contributed to the development of the United States. Schools have the task of passing on to young people an awareness of the past and of the values that made the rise of Western civilization possible: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, the dignity of the person and solidarity. Deepening our ties with the Italian American community in education means strengthening a bridge between two friendly peoples united by a shared history and common principles,” said Minister Valditara.
“I am grateful to Minister Valditara for recognizing the importance of teaching the history of Italian immigration to America and the common Western values that allowed these immigrants to succeed against all odds in their new home. Their success should be seen as a source of pride for all Italians and is worthy of study. The National Italian American Foundation is also appreciative of being selected to partner in this initiative, which is of considerable benefit to both Italy and the United States of America,” said Allegrini.
Specifically, the Ministry will add to the upper secondary school curriculum the study of the courageous and resilient history of Italian emigration to the Americas from 1880 onward, and will carry out dedicated curricular and extracurricular activities in primary and lower secondary schools.
In addition, forums, webinars, workshops, meetings, conferences and other educational initiatives will help celebrate the Italian language, Italy’s cultural heritage and Italian excellence.
NIAF will promote the exchange of best practices in education centered on the values of Italian culture, as well as wider awareness of the Italian language, Italian education and Made in Italy creativity, including at the Scuola d’Italia in New York.
The three-year agreement also provides for the establishment of a Joint Committee responsible for overseeing and monitoring the planned initiatives.
