La SCUOLA più ISOLATA D'ITALIA - thepillow

Summary

This video explores the two smallest schools in Italy, located on the remote islands of Alicudi and in the mountains of Ceresole Reale. Despite facing significant isolation and logistical challenges, these schools remain vital to their communities. Teachers and families exhibit extraordinary dedication, with children learning in multi-class settings. The schools, one by the sea and the other in the mountains, show the importance of preserving education in even the most difficult circumstances. The story highlights the resilience of both the educators and students in overcoming adversity to maintain learning in these unique environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are only three students in the smallest school in Italy, located on the island of Alicudi in the Aeolian Islands.
• 😀 The Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are remote and have schools on almost every island, each with very few students.
• 😀 Alicudi's school, one of the smallest in Europe, faces challenges such as extreme weather, limited resources, and the lack of infrastructure, but the community is dedicated to keeping it open.
• 😀 The teachers in the Aeolian Islands have to deal with unpredictable weather conditions that may prevent them from reaching the school, adding extra challenges to their work.
• 😀 The headteacher of the Alicudi school, Mirella Fanti, emphasizes the strong sense of dedication needed from teachers, as they are often isolated from their families and face significant travel costs.
• 😀 Alicudi, a small and remote island, has no roads, only steps leading to the school, and is accessed mainly by mule or on foot.
• 😀 Despite the hardships, teachers and students create a close-knit, family-like atmosphere, with the teachers going beyond their professional duties to ensure that the students are well taken care of.
• 😀 In addition to regular lessons, the school has an educational garden, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.
• 😀 The script compares the situation in Alicudi with a similar school in Ceresole Reale, located in the Piedmont region, which also faces isolation but in a mountainous setting at 1600 meters above sea level.
• 😀 Both schools highlight the importance of keeping small community schools open for the future of their respective regions, emphasizing the critical role of education even in the smallest of communities.

Q & A

How many students attend the school in Alicudi?

The school in Alicudi has only three students, each from different classes.

What is unique about the schools on the Eolie Islands?

The schools on the Eolie Islands are unique because they are located on remote islands and serve very small populations, with some islands having only a handful of students.

What challenges do teachers face when working on the Eolie Islands?

Teachers face challenges such as isolation, unpredictable weather, expensive travel costs for commuting, and limited resources. They often have to be highly dedicated and flexible in their roles.

How did the weather impact travel to Alicudi?

Strong winds caused the cancellation of ferries and hydrofoils, delaying the trip to Alicudi for two days.

How is the school in Alicudi structured?

The school in Alicudi is located in a traditional Eolian house and serves students from kindergarten to middle school. It operates as a micro-school with very few students, often as few as two or three.

What are some of the logistical difficulties for teachers on the islands?

Teachers must contend with the logistical difficulty of traveling to the islands, with some teachers living off the island and needing to rely on boats to reach their schools. The weather often complicates travel, and the cost of transportation is high.

What role do the local community and families play in the school?

The local community and families play an essential role in keeping the school open, with some families choosing to temporarily send their children to other schools in the archipelago when the local school has too few students.

What is the significance of the school in Alicudi to the local community?

The school is crucial to the local community as it helps keep the island's population alive and thriving. It provides educational opportunities and keeps the community connected, especially during difficult times.

How does the teacher in Ceresole Reale manage a multi-grade classroom?

The teacher in Ceresole Reale manages a multi-grade classroom by combining lessons for students in different grades. This requires adaptability and a close relationship with the students to meet their diverse educational needs.

What similarities and differences exist between the schools in Alicudi and Ceresole Reale?

Both schools are very small, isolated, and face challenges due to their remote locations. However, Alicudi's school is situated on an island with limited access and very few students, while Ceresole Reale’s school, located in the mountains, is more accessible by road and has three students but covers a wider area.