Believers Who Do As They Say
TORONTO – From an “outsider’s” perspective, the inaugural for ItaliaLinguaCultura could only have exceeded expectations. In excess of 300 guests paid a generous fee for the privilege of dining with friends, colleagues and supporters of a language programme that stimulates structured learning, provokes creativity, shapes character and opens eyes to culture and history as no other: the study of Italian as a bona fide program in the extended day of a school curriculum.
The Italian government (through its equivalent of Department of Canadian Heritage) via the Italian Consulate General offered approximately $270,000 provided the recipient of the grant would comprise (1) a not for profit group, (2) an association of business professionals, (3) an association purposed for dissemination Italian culture, (4) a school board would co-partner in the process and the partnership so created would submit to an annual financial and professional audit.
Several individuals – teachers, parents, former and current trustees from York Catholic District School Board, YCDSB – answered the challenge. Among them were Luca Buiani (deceased but honoured at the event) Fausto Mammoliti, Domenic Mazzotta, Angela Saggese, Maria Iafrate, Luciano Schipano (Heritage Calabria), Bob Sacco (Canadian Italian Business Professional Association) and Gino Rosati, Vaughan Italian Cultural Association. The Consul General, Luca Zelioli is no longer in office but has entrusted the program’s survival to the head of the Consulate’s “Education” sector, Laura Innocenti.
Notwithstanding the ardor of the entrepreneurial class present, their advertising noted in the event brochure and, indeed, the leadership qualities of the entire group expressed through their leader Chair of YCDSB Maria Iafrate, these are turbulent times in education. The YCDSB is under supervision, even as it Catholic trustees retain constitutional authority over denominational issues and most Catholic families if Vaughan are Italian. In the last census, they accounted for 55% of the voting public.
Of the c. 30,000 students registered in YCDSB elementary schools, and therefore presumably eligible for the extended day language classes (Italian), 5,000 are already enrolled in twenty-one schools to partake in those lessons. There is no rational explanation to suggest the number could not be much larger going forward. Minister Steven Lecce, former Minister of Education was present to speak of and to his support. Two Federal Members of Parliament, Anna Roberts and Michael Gugliemin, were equally positive. Most of the YCDSB schools are in their electoral districts. Mayor Steven Del Duca and Vaughan City Council were similarly as effusive. In fact, a table of guests interrupted their enjoyment of the lighter part of the evening to implore Maria Iafrate to compel the school(s) in Stouffville to open the doors to Italian language studies.
It is a delicate subject. With the deft adroitness for which she has become known, Chair Iafrate pivoted to thank all the individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the event. She paused to shower special acknowledgement on the meticulous service of Phil Aiello, who presides over Venu Event Space, and her family who exemplified the character Italian families: when your family and friends are in need, don’t ask questions- just get to work.
Here below is a photogallery from the event (photos: Priscilla Pajdo / Corriere Canadese)
