Podcast: Quality Education (Campugiani e Desideri)

Agenda 2030 is a global program with 17 Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education. It's about more than just passing exams, but developing critical thinking and creativity. To make learning enjoyable, there should be a balance between engaging content and meaningful learning outcomes. Traditional classrooms should be transformed into flexible learning spaces that encourage collaboration and experimentation. Teachers should be supported and given the tools they need. Access to education should be equitable, bridging the digital divide and reaching hard-to-reach communities. Italy is investing in its education system, improving literacy rates and providing resources for disadvantaged areas. They are also expanding scholarship opportunities and funding for universities. Challenges include reducing dropout rates and promoting digital literacy. Schools should collaborate with local communities and offer real-world oriented programs. Education is about aligning fires, not Hello listeners, welcome to the first episode of Shaping Tomorrow. I'm Isabel Campugani from the Campo da Vinci High School in Ungar today and today we're going to talk about Agenda 2030. It is a global action program with the aim of eliminating poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace. It has 17 Sustainable Development Goals and we're going to talk about the first one, quality education. And who better to explain us on this topic than the brilliant Matilde Desideri. Welcome Matilde! Thank you for having me, it's a pleasure to be here. So, let's start straight in quality education. What does it mean exactly? Ah, quality education is a divine cup of learning. It's not just about passing kids after they start, it's about developing critical thinking, creativity and let us say a simple fun. Woo! Fun! Education! Now, that's a concept I can get behind, but how do we make learning enjoyable without turning it into a circus? Oh, that's the one billion dollar question. It's all about finding the balance between engaging content and meaningful learning outcomes. Picture this, a math class where students solve equations while just being slimming torches. Okay, maybe not torches, but you get the idea. I'm not sure the fire department would approve, but I like where you're going with this. So, what are some practical ways to enhance the quality of education? Well, hmm, first of all, we need to rethink the traditional classroom setup, no more boards of desks facing the chalkboard like sort of information. Let's create flexible learning spaces where students can collaborate, experiment and yes, even make a little mess. Sounds like chaos, but in a good way. Exactly, chaos, and let's not forget about the teachers, they're the real MVPs of education. We need to invest in their professional development, give them the tools and support they need to inspire the next generation of high-sensitive customers. Amen to that. Now, let's talk about access to education. How do we ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has access to quality education? Ah, the age-old question. It all comes down to equity and inclusion. We need to bridge the digital divide, make sure every child has access to technology and internet connection. Let's not forget about those hard-to-reach communities. Mobile classrooms, anyone? Mobile classrooms, now that's a concept I can get behind. Now, let's focus on Italy and its efforts to ensure quality education for all. Let's dive right in. What is Italy doing to guarantee quality education for its citizens? Well, Italy has been busy ensuring that every student has access to quality education. They have achieved various programs to improve literacy rates, enhance teaching training and promote lifelong learning. That sounds impressive. Can you give us some examples? Of course, one initiative is the Education First Campaign, where the Italian government is investing heavily in their children's education to lay a strong foundation for future learning. They are also providing additional resources for schools in disadvantaged areas to bridge the education gap. That's fantastic to hear. But what about higher education? Italy hasn't forgot about higher education either. They are expanding scholarship opportunities and increasing funding for universities to improve research facilities and attract the top talent. It sounds like Italy is really kicking off when it comes to education. Absolutely. But as with any plan, there are always challenges to overcome. Italy is working hard to address issues like reducing dropout rates and promoting digital literacy to prepare students for the future job market. I'd like to pose a question. What kind of initiatives does your school organize in terms of education? Well, at my school we organize various activities such as meetings with the police to promote road safety awareness, collaborate with organizations like the Global Donors Association and the Red Cross and frequently invite experts just like you from different fields. Additionally, we have regular orientation sessions at the University of Perugia to help us choose our future academic path. And there are opportunities for language immersion trips to places like England or Ireland. That sounds impressive. I think schools should collaborate with the local communities to have integrated education programs oriented towards the real world needs. Well, it's great to see Italy taking education seriously. Thank you for joining us today and shedding light on the importance of quality education. My pleasure. Remember folks, education is not just about filling minds. It's about aligning fires. And that's a wrap from today's episode of Shaping Tomorrow. Tune in next time as we continue our quest for knowledge and enlightenment. Until then, stay curious!