by InTrieste
For the fourth year in a row, the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has significantly boosted its support for local schools, announcing an increase in funding aimed at enhancing autonomy, disability services, and language education. The announcement came from Alessia Rosolen, the region’s Education Councillor, during a press conference marking the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
At the event, Rosolen revealed that the region’s education budget had grown from €31 million in 2018 to €56 million this year. This investment includes a new initiative, dubbed the “2024-2025 School Package,” which allocates €3.55 million to five key areas: administrative support, inclusion, education, language training, and internship programs.
“These resources will ensure vital support for school staff, students, and particularly those with disabilities, including those with learning disorders and special educational needs,” said Rosolen. She also emphasized that a substantial part of the funding will go toward bolstering language programs and inclusive education.
The expansion of resources for students with disabilities remains a critical focus. Last year, the region stepped in to cover support hours for 1,122 students with disabilities, hours that otherwise would have gone unfunded due to gaps in state financing. “This has been a lifeline for many families,” noted Rosolen.
One of the flagship programs under the expanded funding plan is the “Active School” project, financed by the European Social Fund. The project aims to strengthen education for primary and secondary school students, while also offering support for teachers, administrators, and families. Rosolen highlighted that the program focuses on two critical areas: preventing school dropouts and helping students transition between education systems and the workforce. For families, the project offers guidance during key transitions, such as moving from one school cycle to another or from school to work.
Focusing on Languages
Special attention is being paid to foreign and minority languages, particularly German. Rosolen explained that the government is concentrating its efforts on areas where German-speaking minorities are more prevalent, as well as in hospitality vocational schools. Additionally, a trilingual education pilot project is underway in Val Canale and Canal del Ferro, involving the “Ingeborg Bachmann” Comprehensive Institute in Tarvisio. This experimental model is awaiting formal recognition from the Ministry of Education, though teaching activities have already begun.
“Language learning is an area of special importance for us, and we’re committed to ensuring that students have access to high-quality instruction in German, Italian, and English,” Rosolen said. The region is actively increasing the number of hours dedicated to English language teachers, underscoring its commitment to multilingualism.
Pioneering Workplace Safety in Schools
In a bold move, Friuli Venezia Giulia has also become a national leader in embedding workplace safety into the curriculum. Now in its second year, a project focusing on workplace safety training is being rolled out for students across the region. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with regional education offices and industry groups, seeks to equip students with critical safety skills before they enter the workforce.
“We were the first region to make workplace safety a formal part of the curriculum, thanks to our own education law,” Rosolen said. She emphasized that this training would be incorporated into third-year secondary school programs through the “Transversal Skills Pathways” initiative, which offers hands-on experiences using innovative tools provided by the region. One of the highlights is the collaboration with the Lef factory, a local center of excellence for advanced manufacturing training.
Rosolen concluded by reiterating the region’s dedication to equipping students with not only academic knowledge but also practical skills that will serve them well in their future careers. “Our goal is to prepare students for life beyond school, ensuring they are ready for the challenges ahead, both in the workplace and in a globalized world.”
