On April 3, 2025, the Liceo Artistico “Edgardo Mannucci” in Jesi will hold an important event to celebrate the Giornata dei Giusti, a day dedicated to honoring those who have shown exceptional humanity in the face of adversity. This year, the focus will be on the courageous stories related to migrant rescues, particularly through the testimony of Vito Fiorino, a fisherman from Lampedusa, and the screening of the docufilm “L’ultima isola,” which recounts one of the most tragic shipwrecks in recent history.
The Giornata dei Giusti was established by the European Parliament in 2012 and has been recognized as a civil holiday in Italy since 2017. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and humanity. The Liceo Artistico “Mannucci” aims to honor those who, through their concrete actions, have altered the course of history. Among them is Vito Fiorino, who on the night of October 3, 2013, faced a dire situation when a boat carrying migrants from North Africa sank. Fiorino and his fellow fishermen heroically saved the lives of 47 refugees, providing them with hope where there seemed to be only despair.
The event will commence at 8:00 AM in the Aula Magna with opening remarks from Ing. Luca Serafini, the school's principal, and Prof.ssa Elisabetta Galeazzi, who is responsible for the project. After the official greetings, students will have the unique opportunity to meet Vito Fiorino, who will share his dramatic yet inspiring story, accompanied by the viewing of the docufilm “L’ultima isola” directed by Davide Lomma. This film captures the harrowing experiences faced during the shipwreck.
At 9:30 AM, the program will move to the school’s garden for a symbolic moment of remembrance, which will include the inauguration of new commemorative plaques created by Prof.ssa Maria Cristina Ponzetti and the planting of small shrubs. This act will serve as a lasting tribute to the lives lost and the courage shown during those tragic events.
Following this, around 10:15 AM, students will head to the Cinema Giometti to watch the docufilm. They will also hear from Latif, a young refugee, who will share his own story of escape and hope. This personal account will be facilitated by a representative from the “Refugees Welcome” association, who will discuss current issues related to acceptance and integration.
The day will conclude with a direct dialogue between Vito Fiorino and director Davide Lomma, allowing students to reflect more deeply on the themes presented in the film and the choices individuals can make in the face of suffering and death. Institutional greetings will also be delivered by Emanuela Marguccio, the local councilor for education and training, and Luca Brecciaroli, the councilor for culture and historical memory. Both will emphasize the significance of this day, which not only commemorates past events but also encourages the creation of a more just and welcoming society.
In a related event, Pietro Bartolo, a renowned doctor from Lampedusa, spoke at the Istituto d’istruzione secondaria Medi Vaccalluzzo in Leonforte on March 27, 2025. Described by students as an “extraordinary” encounter, Bartolo has dedicated over 30 years to providing assistance to migrants arriving on the island. His firsthand accounts shed light on the complex issues surrounding immigration, human rights, and Europe’s role in addressing these challenges. During his talk, he poignantly reminded the audience, “It’s not about numbers, but about people.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need to view migrants not as statistics or labels, but as individuals fleeing war, poverty, and hunger in search of a better future.
Students and faculty alike were moved by Bartolo’s powerful message, which was supported by impactful imagery. The principal and the mayor of Leonforte expressed their gratitude for Bartolo’s testimony, which provided invaluable insights and encouraged a more human perspective on the migration issue, transcending the often reductive terms used in public discourse.
As the events unfold in Jesi and Leonforte, they highlight the urgent need for compassion and understanding in addressing the challenges faced by migrants today. Both gatherings serve as crucial reminders of the importance of human dignity and the role of individuals in making a difference in the lives of others.
