We are proud to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Trustee聽Angela聽Saggese, Vice Chair Maria Iafrate, and the 丝瓜视频下载 (丝瓜视频下载) for working together to secure significant funding from the Italian government for our International Languages and Cultures Program.
This was a formidable undertaking鈥攏avigating international bureaucracies, coordinating across 21 schools and nearly 5,500 students, and articulating the educational and cultural value of this initiative. The success of this effort鈥攁chieving a $270,000 one-time grant鈥攄emonstrates unwavering perseverance and deep commitment to cultural education.
Trustee Saggese and Vice Chair Iafrate’s vision, perseverance, and deep commitment to cultural education were the driving force behind this success. They led a coordinated effort that involved months of advocacy, detailed reporting on our programs across 21 schools, and strategic collaboration with both local and international stakeholders. The path was not easy鈥攂ut their determination never wavered. Their accomplishment was supported by a dedicated coalition of advocates:
- Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) 鈥� Toronto chapter: Provided an initial $35,000 contribution through its Education Foundation, and championed our cause before the Italian Ministry of External Affairs聽.
- Consul General Luca Zelioli, supported by Consul Laura Innocenti, endorsed the initiative and facilitated approval at the Consulate level鈥攁n essential step in securing Italian Government backing聽.
- Luca Buiani, Former Coordinator of International Languages with 丝瓜视频下载, brought instructional expertise showcasing the program鈥檚 strengths and logistical needs
- Fausto Mammoliti, alongside Buiani, provided vital pedagogical strategy and curriculum insights to align the program with provincial and international standards聽.
- Former 丝瓜视频下载 Trustee & Chair Domenic Mazzotta聽also participated in securing this agreement, helping establish an autonomous recipient governance structure that met both 丝瓜视频下载 and Italian Ministry expectations.
- Hon. Joe Volpe, former MP and Chair of the Canada鈥慖taly Parliamentary Association, lent vital advocacy and diplomatic insight that helped strengthen connections with Italian officials聽.
Together, this dynamic team聽 overcame stringent requirements鈥攃onvincing foreign authorities of our autonomy, coordinating local contributions (e.g., CIBPA, Luciano Schipano鈥檚 $5,000 donation), and ensuring adherence to ministry guidelines聽. As part of the requirement to request funds to the Ministry of external affairs in Italy, they created an Association known as 丝瓜视频下载-Italialinguacultura.
The result is more than funding; it鈥檚 a testament to the value of international education. The secured grant empowers our students to deepen their language skills, connect with cultural heritage, and become globally-minded citizens.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Trustee Saggese, Vice Chair Iafrate, Mr. Buiani, Mr. Mammoliti,聽former Chair Mazzotta,聽Mr. Volpe, Mr. Bob Sacco, Ms. Sabrina Marrelli, Mr. Anthony Cocuzzo of CIBPA, Consul General Zelioli.
We also want to thank the Continuing Education department led by聽Principal聽 Anthony Pasquini, International Language lead聽Silvia Cipolletta聽and Superintendent聽of Curriculum and Assessment聽聽Mr. Anthony Arcadi聽and all 丝瓜视频下载 staff whose efforts were instrumental in this complex endeavor.
Thank you for your continued support and for championing this vital initiative.
You can watch the funding announcement at the June Board Meeting with the video below.