Italian Education Minister Stresses the Importance of Modern Learning
In Pesaro, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara concluded his visit to the Marconi High School, emphasizing the critical role schools play in preparing young people for the challenges of the future. The minister’s tour centered on several key initiatives, including the “Summer Plan,” improvements in school infrastructure, and the growing necessity of technical education in a rapidly changing world.
Valditara described the nationwide tour as more than a series of school visits, calling it a tribute to the outstanding commitment of school staff who made the “Summer Plan” a success. This project, designed to keep students engaged even outside regular school terms, provided crucial support to those without external resources or reliable support systems. According to the minister, the level of demand for funding exceeded the available resources, with more schools requesting support than initially anticipated. Valditara promised to do his best to meet these needs.
Last year, the initiative involved 700,000 students, along with 600,000 more participating in international exchange programs. For the current year, Valditara expects that number to surpass one million. He praised the motivation of teachers and school leaders, as well as the use of state-of-the-art facilities and innovative equipment funded by the national recovery plan. Above all, he was inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and drive to develop their own talents.
Valditara also addressed the evolving relationship between education and the workforce. He stressed the importance of adapting the school system to prepare students for the demands of the modern job market, underscoring the central role of technical and vocational education.
Global Focus: South Sudan Launches Initiative for Inclusive Education
In a parallel effort on the global stage, South Sudan has launched a four-year project to improve access to quality, inclusive education—especially for girls and marginalized groups. Supported by a $58 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the initiative will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations and various humanitarian agencies.
According to Kuyok Abol Kuyok, South Sudan’s Minister of General Education, the program is expected to provide vital educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of children affected by ongoing humanitarian crises. Kuyok affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring every child can access a quality education.
The timing of this initiative is critical: more than 2.8 million school-age children in South Sudan are currently outside the formal education system. The project aims to directly reach over 300,000 students and benefit another 600,000 indirectly, focusing on 20 counties, including high-need areas such as Jonglei, Lakes, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Christopher Nyamandi, director of Save the Children in South Sudan, highlighted that the new funding will make it possible to reach the country’s most excluded children. He emphasized the importance of providing safe and inclusive access to education, even in the midst of conflict and climate challenges.
Connecting Local and Global Efforts
The drive to modernize education in Italy and the commitment to inclusion in South Sudan both demonstrate how education remains a powerful engine for progress around the world. Whether through new approaches to technical learning or dedicated efforts to reach marginalized students, these stories show a shared belief in the transformative power of education for building a better future.