MIM-NIAF agreement to promote Italian emigration to America

Today, to mark Columbus Day, which celebrates Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America, the Minister for Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara, and the President of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Robert Allegrini, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) to promote awareness of Italian emigration in schools, whilst highlighting exemplary Italian educational practices and the creativity of ‘Made in Italy’.

“We want to raise awareness of the extraordinary history of the Italian emigrants who crossed the Atlantic and, through their courage, talent and hard work, contributed to the development of the United States. Schools have a duty to instil in young people an awareness of their past and of the values that made possible the development of Western civilisation, founded on freedom, democracy, the rule of law, human dignity and solidarity. Strengthening ties with the Italian-American community in the field of education means building a bridge between two friendly peoples, united by history and shared principles,” said the Minister for Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara.

“I am grateful to Minister Valditara for recognising the importance of teaching the history of Italian immigration to America and the shared values of the West, which enabled immigrants to make a success of their lives, despite all adversities, in their new home. Their success should be a source of pride for all Italians and regarded as an important subject for study. The National Italian American Foundation is also grateful to have been chosen as a partner in this initiative, which is of particular benefit to both Italia and the United States of America,” said NIAF President Robert Allegrini.