Montecchio Maggiore is increasing its commitment to teaching Italian to foreign citizens through organized courses at the Centro Provinciale per l’Istruzione degli Adulti (CPIA), working alongside the Comune to fulfill this mission. For the current academic year 2024/25, the CPIA “Arzignano – Montecchio” has significantly expanded its offerings. A total of eleven classes have been activated, allowing for 940 hours of lessons and accommodating 155 students, compared to just five courses, 468 hours, and 79 students last year.
Flora Dalla Via, the educator responsible for the courses at Montecchio Maggiore, emphasizes how pivotal the knowledge of the Italian language is for achieving integration, particularly for women. "La conoscenza della lingua permette, in particolare alle donne, di acquisire maggiore autonomia, di interfacciarsi con le istituzioni e la comunità e di inserirsi attivamente nella vita sociale," she stated, highlighting the broader social benefits of language proficiency.
The increase in enrollment is noteworthy; approximately 120 of the students are women, accounting for nearly 80% of the total, demonstrating the growing interest among female participants. The courses, which are available both during the day and evening, are held at the Sala Civica comunale di Alte Ceccato and the secondary school “M. Polo” located on via Tagliamento. This flexibility aims to cater to the various schedules and needs of the students.
The program is structured on multiple levels, ranging from semi-illiteracy to basic and intermediate levels. At the end of the academic term, students must pass a test for certification, which is accessible to those who have attended at least 70% of the classes. This is seen as a key component of the program, fostering greater language acquisition and enabling students to gain foundational literacy skills.
According to updates provided on March 5, 2025, there has been yet another doubling of lessons and enrollments as the demand for these courses continues to rise. Maria Paola Stocchero, the local authority and education advisor, reinforces the importance of language education, affirming, "Dall’educazione, dalla formazione e dalla comprensione di una lingua nasce l’inclusione. L’apprendimento dell’italiano è uno dei pilastri dell’integrazione." This statement encapsulates the essence of the programs offered: education as the pathway to inclusion and societal integration.
Stocchero, along with Mayor Silvio Parise, was present to acknowledge the students' efforts by distributing pins adorned with the municipal coat of arms, symbolizing pride and recognition for their dedication to learning. The first evening course for Italian was launched back in 2005 and has seen considerable growth over the years. The administration's continuous support has been instrumental, especially with the increase of available teaching hours this year, aligning with the heightened objectives of inclusion endorsed by local policies.
This expansion of Italian language courses not only caters to the immediate needs of foreign nationals but also reflects the broader aspirations of Montecchio Maggiore to build a cohesive, inclusive community.
The students attending these courses hail from various nations, with the largest groups coming from Bangladesh and India. By focusing on women's education and making classes available at convenient times, the program is enabling participants to break down the barriers of language and culture. This is particularly significant, as integration is not only about language but also about creating connections and fostering mutual respect within the community.
Flora Dalla Via and her team believe strongly in the transformative power of education. With each course, they create opportunities for students to thrive, to connect with their neighbors, and become active members of society. The success of this educational initiative is evident through the enthusiastic response to the courses and the positive impact on the community. Montecchio Maggiore is setting an example of how education can serve as a bridge between cultures and build stronger, more integrated communities.
For the local administration and educators alike, the impact of these courses goes beyond teaching; it’s about empowering individuals, fostering community ties, and paving the way for future generations. With these courses, Montecchio Maggiore is not just teaching language; it’s teaching life skills and opening doors for countless individuals.