Italy: ‘Open Sesame’

Families attending the Narcisi preschool, that is based in a multicultural neighbourhood in Milan (Italy), have different social, economic and cultural backgrounds (63% of children with different origins), making communication between the subjects particularly challenging. Among the many different nationalities, the presence of the Arabic culture stands out. Since the early 21st century, this school found itself having to face challenges it was not prepared for, with the need of specific tools and strategies. At that time, Verga Foundation (in cooperation with Ismu Foundation) proposed to the school an innovative approach to fulfil these emerging needs, Apriti Sesamo, a project for teaching Arabic language in public schools to avoid segregated educational choices. This project has been crucial to set up a new mindset, which is now part of the daily action of the staff. The Narcisi School has built a new forma mentis little by little; the school learned to enhance diversity and to promote plurilingualism through the daily practices and the teacher-child/children interactions.