Slovenian President visits a bilingual school in Fvg

(ANSA) - UDINE, 15 OTT - "Today is a special day for this school, for San Pietro al Natisone, and for the entire regional community, honored by the presence of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar. The Paolo Petricig Institute is a synthesis of the complex historical journey of this territory and Friuli Venezia Giulia. " These were the words of Regional Councilor for Local Autonomy Pierpaolo Roberti as he opened his speech during the ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the bilingual "Paolo Petricig" school in San Pietro al Natisone (Udine), where both Italian and Slovenian are taught. The event was also attended by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, and the mayor of San Pietro al Natisone, Cesare Pinatto.
    Bringing greetings from the President of the Region, Massimiliano Fedriga, Roberti emphasized the importance of the school as a reference point for bilingual education in a region facing challenges such as demographic decline.
    "In this sense, the 'Petricig' is a great and indispensable point of reference," he said, "because it fosters cohesion and unites communities across generations through bilingual education for the younger generations." The councilor also recalled the historical context in which the school was founded. "When it was established, the border with Slovenia was rigid and closed," he said. "Creating this educational institution required foresight and courage. Today, it is an institution valued even beyond the Natisone Valleys." Looking to the future, Roberti highlighted the progress in collaboration between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia, culminating in the designation of Gorizia and Nova Gorica as the European Capital of Culture for 2025. "This is a sign of the great strides made toward peace and friendship between our peoples," he emphasized.
    After visiting the educational facility, the delegations moved to the Town Hall of San Pietro al Natisone for a meeting with all the mayors from the Friuli Venezia Giulia municipalities where the Slovenian language is spoken. Roberti also recalled the Region's measures to support small communities, protect the Slovenian language, and combat declining birth rates and depopulation. (ANSA).