The fourth year at Rondine – City of Peace: spreading our wings for peaceful coexistence

Educating for peace, all the more so in times of war such as these. And Rondine – Citadel of Peace began doing just that thirty years ago, welcoming young people from conflict zones. Ukrainians and Russians sitting at the same desk. Israelis and Palestinians working on the same project, so that they could then return to their countries as messengers of peace. But Italians can also take part, through the Rondine Fourth Year programme, now in its tenth edition.

Applications to take part in the selection process for the coming academic year in the village in the province of Arezzo are open until 7 January. Students will then return to their own school in Year 5 without needing to catch up on any work or sit catch-up exams, unlike what is often required by schools where Year 4 is spent abroad. The scheme is aimed at sixth-form students and is recognised by the Ministry of Education and Merit. Noam Pupko, head of the Rondine Fourth Year programme, explains the reasons why a young person might choose to take on this challenge.

“They must be young people who want to experience a life that is more independent from their families and who want to experience a different kind of school: one that uses innovative teaching methods, offers a participatory and less competitive approach, and asks students to be proactive in the learning process. Many come to Rondine to rediscover the deeper meaning of why we go to school,” explains Pupko.

“Another strong motivation is the opportunity to engage with the wider world, thanks to meeting young people from all over the globe. It is a tremendous opportunity to develop a more open-minded outlook and gain a better understanding of current affairs. Furthermore, these young people must be driven by a desire for change. We help them turn their ideas into concrete projects to be implemented once they return home, thereby improving their own social environment.”

The experience of the Rondine Fourth Year is one that the boys and girls will carry with them for the rest of their lives. In terms of relationships, given that Rondine has a community of over three hundred former pupils who have gone on to become professionals and who often return to Rondine as collaborators. But also in terms of career guidance. “Research into former pupils,” Pupko explains, “shows that those who have spent a school year with us go on to demonstrate greater awareness and better relationship management. Family dynamics also improve, and pupils display a more mature attitude towards their studies, which helps them tackle their A-levels more successfully. Furthermore, these young people make more informed choices regarding their studies and careers.”