June 23 – Italy is strengthening the presence of the Italian language in schools abroad also thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Melbourne between the Italian Ambassador to Australia, Pier Francesco Zazo, and the Minister of Education of the Australian State of Victoria, Martin Dixon. After the signing ceremony, Ambassador Zazo expressed his appreciation for the agreement, which will contribute to the spread of Italian culture. “Strong of the over 300,000 people of Italian descent, who are proudly tied to their roots and traditions – said the Ambassador – we can now offer more opportunities to learn Italian, pursuing the important goal we share with the Government of Victoria.” The consul-general in Melbourne, Marco Maria Cerbo, said he was particularly pleased with the outcome of the negotiations conducted in recent months. Minister Dixon was equally enthusiastic:”I am pleased that this new agreement will give our students more opportunities to learn Italian and discover the many facets that define the Italian culture. We are committed to working with a range of local and international partners to put languages at the heart of our school programs of study, because we know that they can open up a world of opportunities for young people. “
