The 26th edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World is being celebrated in collaboration with the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation, through three cultural initiatives. This year, particular emphasis is being placed on the teaching of Italian language and culture as part of pre-departure training courses for workers intending to migrate to Italy.
On Monday, 12 October, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy, Federico Zamparelli, visited the Institute of Modern Languages at the University of Dhaka, where he met with the Institute’s management and students enrolled in the university-level Italian language course in Bangladesh, taught by Professor Stefania Chiapello.
On Monday, 26 October, at the Bengal Foundation, the Ambassador of Italy, Antonio Alessandro, and the Ambassador of Switzerland, Reto Renggli, jointly presented a screening of “Ariaferma”, directed by Leonardo Di Costanzo and co-produced by Italy and Switzerland, together with Luva Nahid Choudhury, Director General of Bengal Shilpalay.
The event was a success, attracting a large local audience comprising cinema enthusiasts, students, members of the Italian-speaking community in Bangladesh, including Bangladeshi-Italian dual nationals, representatives of the soon-to-be-established Italian Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Italian religious community residing in the country. Read HERE the article on the Daily Star.
The third event, held on Tuesday, 3 November, at the Dhaka Regency Hotel and entitled “Language, Civic and Professional Training for Skilled Migration to Italy,” provided an opportunity to promote the best practices developed through the first pre-departure Italian language training programmes for migrant workers in Bangladesh, launched at the initiative of the Italian private sector under Article 23 of the Consolidated Immigration Act (TUI). The event highlighted the importance of learning the Italian language in facilitating the integration of Bangladeshi immigrants into Italian society.
The Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO Spokesperson, Dr Mahdi Amin, attended the event as Guest of Honour. Other distinguished speakers included the Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, H.E. Michael Miller; the Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Dr Laura Tomm-Bonde; representatives of the International Labour Organization; representatives of the two private entities promoting the first Article 23 projects – “Frontiere Skills” and “Format” – as well as approximately 300 students currently enrolled in Italian language courses under the Article 23 projects.
