Globalization has entered the homes and lives of all of us from a cultural, social and economic point of view, contributing to the development of an increasingly complex and interdependent society. 44% of the sample interviewed believes that globalization will have positive effects for our country. In general, the advantages of living in an increasingly hybrid and multicultural society are recognized (65%) especially by younger people: 74% of 16-24 year olds believe that the benefits of the process will outweigh or equal the risks. 77% of Italians also believe that it is necessary to develop intercultural skills to better manage the complexities of modern society. The almost 1,800 students who won the ‘Interculture’ competition and who will leave this summer for a life and study experience in one of the 60 countries where the voluntary association develops its programs know this well. The fifteen students from the Ferrara area have just finished one of the most beautiful phases prior to their departure: training with volunteers from their area, to arrive prepared to make the most of the months they will spend abroad. These boys and girls will leave for an experience that can last the entire school year, six months or four summer weeks. The countries that will welcome them are Chile, Honduras, Costa Rica, Wales, Mexico, Canada, Holland, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa, Japan, Sweden and Argentina. The fifteen male and female students will be invited today to participate in another very exciting moment which sees them involved together with their families: in the Sala dell’Arengo of the Municipality of Ferrara at 5pm, they will receive the parchment certifying their winning of the program. Attending the event will be: Elena Paganoni, president of the Local Intercultural Center of Ferrara, representatives of the Municipality of Ferrara, of the Regional School Office for Emilia-Romagna, doctors Ludione and Liscio, and representatives of the schools attended by the students . Young people from Ferrara who have recently returned from their experience abroad will also participate in the meeting, such as Irene, who returned to Italy from Turkey last July. Andrea Franzoi, General Secretary of Intercultura: “In an increasingly complex and difficult international context like today’s, Intercultura perceives its intervention as essential in promoting peace education, stimulating dialogue and understanding between peoples”.
