As part of the well-established cooperation between the Italian Embassy in Caracas and the Universidad Central de Venezuela, the Faculty of Humanidades y Educación yesterday hosted a meeting devoted to Italian language and culture in Venezuela.
The Italian ambassador, Giovanni Umberto De Vito, and the university's rector, Víctor Rago Albujas, together with other academic authorities, took part. Also present were several representatives of the Italian-Venezuelan community.
During the event, the deep cultural ties that unite the two peoples were highlighted, as well as the Italian government's commitment to continue promoting the language and culture of Italy abroad. The annual training projects of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation support Venezuelan universities and schools where Italian is taught, improving the quality of teaching and expanding the range of opportunities for young people.
Italian culture occupies a prominent place in Venezuela and an increasing number of students choose to learn Italian as a gateway to Italy and Europe. This year, the Venezuelan university - which dates back to 1721 and is one of the oldest in Latin America - received a grant that will enable it to strengthen its language courses and support the work of its lecturers. New texts and teaching materials offered by Italy for the occasion were also handed over to the dean of the Faculty.
In his speech, the ambassador not only emphasised the value of the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, but also the new opportunities opening up for the younger generations.
"Knowing Italian is a lever that opens the doors of Europe and far beyond. Italy represents a unique combination of tradition and innovation, offering a world of educational and professional opportunities," De Vito said, adding: "The Italian government's commitment to international cooperation and training programmes for young people continues, also by supporting selected academic centres of excellence where Italian is taught.
"Initiatives such as this testify to the importance of knowledge and mutual understanding, in order to build bridges towards a shared future, where the new generations are the protagonists of an increasingly aware, dynamic and prosperous Italian-Venezuelan relationship," the diplomat concluded.
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