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The Eudemos Summer School offered students from 4CMA at the Itis da Vinci Institute in Pisa a formative and human experience of great value, placing them at the heart of an innovative project that combines civic education, intercultural dialogue, and the discovery of European cultural heritage. The main objective of the initiative was to promote the fundamental values of the European Union, such as active citizenship, democracy, and respect for human rights, while stimulating a greater awareness among young people of their role as European citizens.
Gabriele Lapucci, one of the participating students, highlighted that “the Eudemos project aims to combat misinformation about the European Union and encourage greater civic participation.” This goal was pursued through an approach that combined formal learning moments with non-conventional educational activities designed to actively engage participants. The Summer School also provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of European citizenship, exploring the rights and responsibilities it entails and reflecting on the challenges Europe faces in an era of increasing misinformation and polarization.
One of the most significant aspects of the project was the intercultural exchange between students from different nations. Tiziano Lenzi shared: “Talking with peers from other nations allowed us to learn about and compare their traditions. Some are similar to ours, while others surprised us with their uniqueness.” The chance to share ideas, experiences, and cultures enriched the participants, fostering connections that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers. This intercultural dialogue was the beating heart of the experience, demonstrating how diversity can be a resource for building a more united and supportive Europe.
Sardinia served as the ideal backdrop for this experience, offering breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled cultural richness. Participants had the chance to visit iconic locations such as the beaches of Porto Pino and Porto Flavia. Siam Myazi described these places as “stunning for their crystal-clear waters and white sand dunes, but also for their historical significance.” Porto Flavia, in particular, impressed participants with its unique charm, combining natural beauty and historical memory, and symbolizing Sardinia’s industrial transformations.
Another significant location visited during the Summer School was Carbonia, a city emblematic of Italy’s industrial cycle. Tiziano Lenzi explained: “The history of Carbonia reflects the cycle of growth and decline of an industrial city. Founded to exploit coal mines, it experienced a period of prosperity, but the closure of the mines in the 1960s led to an economic crisis. Today, Carbonia is trying to reinvent itself, focusing on tourism and renewable energy while maintaining strong ties to its roots.” This example of resilience and transformation offered students insights into how communities can face economic and social challenges in today’s world.
The Eudemos Summer School was far more than a tourist trip; it was a profound and multidimensional learning experience. Leonardo Dell’Innocenti described the project as “constructive, as it allowed us to collaborate, learn new things, and improve our language skills.” The educational dimension was enriched by a focus on personal and social growth: the dialogue among participants encouraged the sharing of ideas, expanded vocabulary, and improved communication skills, making the project a unique opportunity to develop essential abilities for the future.
Siam Myazi emphasized the uniqueness of working with young people from different countries, including Poland, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. “It was a great opportunity to learn from diverse cultures and gain new perspectives,” he said. This experience demonstrated how intercultural exchange can contribute to building a deeper understanding of differences and similarities among European cultures, while simultaneously strengthening a sense of belonging to a shared community.
The Eudemos Project represents a concrete example of how civic education, intercultural dialogue, and cultural heritage discovery can work together to build bridges among young Europeans. It was not just a formative experience but an opportunity to imagine a brighter future for Europe, where young people are active protagonists of change and social cohesion.
