Detailed Program
Friday, September 13
09:00
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
09:30
WELCOME REMARKS
Institutional Greetings:
Giovanna Rocca, Pro-Rector for Research, Dean of the Faculty of Interpreting and Translation
Università IULM
Luciana Volta, Ministry of Education and Merit, Director General for Lombardy
Opening Remarks:
Manuela E.B. Giolfo, Università IULM
9:45
INTRODUCTIONS
Introductions by the Roundtable Participants
10:00
ROUNDTABLE ONE – Perspectives and Strategies
How can we enhance Arabic language education in schools and make it successful?
Objective: Focus on actionable steps to map out Arabic language education in Italy. What support and resources are available from the Ministry of Education and Merit at central and regional level? How can the language education sector, regional and local communities, and other stakeholders contribute to make Arabic successful in Italian schools?
Moderator: Manuela E.B. Giolfo, Università IULM
Discussion leads:
- Gisella Langé, Foreign Languages Inspector, Ministry of Education and Merit
- Adamo Castelnuovo, Ministry of Education and Merit – Regional Office for Lombardy
- Antonietta Centolanze, Ministry of Education and Merit – Regional Office for Piedmont
- Andrea Facchin, Ca' Foscari University of Venice
11:00
Q&A
11:15
COFFEE BREAK
11:30
Discussion in Break Out Groups: What is Arabic and Why Should it be Taught?
20 minute pre-set break out groups.
25 minutes for report back on key highlights by each rapporteur.
12:15
ROUNDTABLE TWO – The Current Landscape
What is the current landscape of Arabic language education in Italy?
Objective: Sharing challenges and opportunities from different perspectives in universities and schools.
Moderator: Ibraam Abdelsayed, Università per Stranieri di Siena (University for Foreigners of Siena)
Discussion leads:
- Giuliano Lancioni, Università degli Studi Roma Tre (University Perspective)
- Gloria Farisé, Liceo Linguistico Falcone - Bergamo (School Perspective)
- Mattia Venturato, I.C. Puccini (School Perspective)
- Mirko Colleoni, Liceo Linguistico Falcone - Bergamo (Educator Perspective)
13:15
LUNCH
14:15
ROUNDTABLE THREE – Changemakers
Leveraging public private partnerships to impact successful Arabic programs in schools.
Objective: Share examples of community partnerships as well as public-private partnerships that have activated Arabic in education.
Moderator: Federico Salvaggio, Università degli studi di Udine
Discussion leads:
- Haifa Alsakkaf, Good World Citizen - Florence
- Fhiona MacKay, Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT)
- Amanda Ferrario, ITE E. Tosi - Busto Arsizio (Varese)
- Craig Cangemi, Qatar Foundation International
15:15
Q&A
15:30
COFFEE BREAK
15:45
Discussion in Break Out Groups: Improving Arabic language learning programs connecting primary/secondary schools with universities.
Foster collaboration between universities, the Ministry of Education and Merit, and local communities to improve Arabic learning programs from primary/secondary schools to universities.
20 minute pre-set break out groups.
25 minutes for report back on 3-5 recommendations and action steps to improve Arabic language learning by each rapporteur.
16:30
CLOSING REMARKS and NEXT STEPS
Moderator: Julia Sylla, Qatar Foundation International
