Fidae Ets launches the manifesto ‘Safeguarding humanity, shaping the future’

On the eve of the new school year, Fidae Ets presents the 2026 Manifesto, drawn up following the ordinary session of the National Council, which took place in Trani from 21 to 23 August. Stemming from reflections on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, the document is being made available to schools as a tool for discussion and guidance for headteachers, teachers, families and pupils.

The Manifesto sets out three commitments: safeguarding the human, rebuilding communities and shaping the future. These are three areas through which Fidae invites school communities to reflect on their educational choices, the quality of their relationships and the changes currently taking place in schools and society. The first commitment, ‘Safeguarding the human’, emphasises the centrality and dignity of the individual, which take precedence over academic achievement and performance. Fragility, limitations and mistakes must not be viewed merely as problems to be corrected, but as aspects of life to be embraced and supported.

The Manifesto therefore invites reflection on processes of inclusion, on the ability to recognise the difficulties faced by pupils and adults, and on the value of formative assessment, understood as a tool for growth rather than a judgement on the individual. ‘Rebuilding communities’ means strengthening the bonds and shared responsibility for education amongst all members of the school community. Particular attention is paid to the relationship with families, who are called upon not only to collaborate, but to participate fully in shaping the educational programme.

In this context, Fidae also emphasises the importance of supporting and training parents’ representatives. The third commitment, ‘Shaping the Future’, addresses the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital technologies. The document emphasises that the issue is not merely about the ability to use these new tools, but about the vision of the individual and society that we intend to build through them. Artificial intelligence can broaden learning opportunities, but it cannot replace the educational relationship, an understanding of personal histories, or care for those who are vulnerable. The Manifesto was distributed to schools in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of Fidae.