Don Lorenzo Milani as a pioneer of inclusion in Italy

Lorenzo Milani and his importance for the South Tyrolean educational landscape

Lorenzo Milani plays a key role in the context of inclusive education in Italy. His approaches, which aim at social justice and equal opportunities, provide important impulses for South Tyrol, a region characterized by cultural and linguistic diversity. The following principles are particularly relevant for South Tyrol:

Social justice as an educational goal: Milani viewed education as an essential factor in overcoming social inequalities. This is particularly important in South Tyrol, as an inclusive approach can help ensure that all children have the same opportunities regardless of their language, origin or social background.

Criticism of the selective educational system: Lorenzo Milani rejects an educational system that selects children based on performance and origin. In a multilingual and multicultural society like South Tyrol, his approach can help to establish a more inclusive and fairer educational system.

Another principle relevant to South Tyrol is the promotion of participation and co-determination. Milani advocates the active participation of students. His model of the collective letter illustrates how democratic participation and reflection can be implemented in educational institutions. South Tyrolean educational governance can benefit from such models to ensure comprehensive participation of all social groups.

Promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity is another of Milani’s key concerns. In a region like South Tyrol, where German, Italian and Ladin are spoken, his approach can serve as an inspiration to use linguistic and cultural diversity as a resource.
His principles provide a basis for developing an educational system in South Tyrol that sees diversity as a strength and reconciles inclusion with cultural identity.

The figure of Don Lorenzo Milani

The audio-described interactive presentation (gives an overview of the figure of Don Lorenzo Milani, known for his innovative and inclusive approach to education. The audio narration is available in German.