New training pathways launched in Palermo with the Università Diffusa project for disadvantaged neighborhoods
The University of Palermo with the project “University Diffusa” has activated new training paths open to the citizenship with the aim of regenerating the cultural and civic fabric of the disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city, combating educational poverty, and promoting inclusion.
The agreement protocol includes a task-force serving the territory which includes Palermo schools of all levels, including the Regina Margherita Teacher Training Institute, the Francesco Ferrara Technical Institute, and the Benedetto Croce Scientific High School, and associations such as Parco del Sole, Apriti Cuore ETS, Santa Chiara, Sant’Erasmo-Nautilus, Confcooperative, and Teatro App and Arte e Opera don Calabria, which offer spaces and logistical support for the development of thematic paths, educational itineraries aimed at young students and adults of all social backgrounds on topics such as health education, environmental care, gender biases, interculturality, common good administration, and non-violent conflict management, with a informative and participatory approach. The project, now in its third edition, has involved over 300 users in total.
“The University Diffusa is a valuable example of social responsibility and a concrete opportunity to integrate education and cultural development in our territory, thanks to the synergy between university, schools, and local associations,” stated Rector Massimo Midiri. “A significant co-shared and shared action to extend knowledge to groups of people who, for various reasons, have not had access to such opportunities. A widespread path in various contexts, where different generations enrich each other to overcome barriers and promote a harmonious combination of knowledge, universal and inclusive. With this initiative,” concludes the Rector, “our University reaffirms its commitment to the cultural development of the territory, consolidating a network of educational support and participation among schools, associations, and citizens. An authentic cooperation between many subjects, fundamental for the involvement of adults, who are more difficult to reach but crucial in the community’s redemption process.”
“The project,” explains the Rector’s Delegate for Training Activities in the Territory, Professor Andrea Cozzo, “stems from the consideration that the University’s Third mission, though third in name, actually has an importance equal to the first two missions of Teaching and Research. Knowledge cannot be reserved for a few, it arises in society as a whole and must be returned to society as a whole, without leaving anyone behind or alone. The University has a responsibility towards the community in which it lives, it has to respond to its needs and speak with its different components, including ordinary people, and with the languages appropriate to them at a given time. The project therefore aims to be a practice of listening to the territory and serving it, made possible through the connection with the basic neighborhood entities, in the belief that true cultural development is only achieved when it is also the emancipation of the entire community and a relationship and opportunity for meeting for all those who are part of it.”
The paths, delivered through the active involvement of University teaching staff, are among the strategic Public Engagement initiatives of the University, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030, contributing to quality education, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable cities and communities.
Palermo, al via nuovi percorsi di formazione con il progetto Università Diffusa per i quartieri degradati
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