Epale Italy organizes the national seminar “Don’t lose yourself. Network actions to combat educational poverty”, to be held in Rome on November 9-10, 2022.

In the European Year of Youth, the seminar examines the issue of early school leaving and educational poverty in young adults, focusing on the importance of territorial networks, as an effective tool for combating educational inequalities.

The phenomenon of early school leaving in Italy is very extensive and in contrast with the European trend. According to the latest Eurostat report, in fact, “early school leaving” (an expression by which we mean the premature abandonment of education and training between the age of 18 to 24) in the European Union are constantly decreasing. The same is not true in our country.

The theme of early school leaving is linked to that of educational poverty. This concept, which appeared in the literature in the 90s, indicates the impossibility for a minor to make use of the right to learn, to train, to develop skills and competences, to cultivate personal aspirations and talents.

But there is good news. The territory can play a decisive role in reducing these problems if it creates and activates educational networks, educational pacts and alliances, or if it puts in place a collaboration between local authorities, schools and other subjects of the so-called educating community. As proven by many initiatives taking place in our country, these networks are able to give concrete answers to combat educational poverty and school dropout.

The seminar will be an opportunity to learn more about the picture of the Italian situation thanks to the contribution of Openpolis, Inapp and with the results of the survey “Territorial educational pacts and enabling paths” conducted by the Inequalities and Diversity Forum, and actively participate in work groups on specific issues with in-depth studies that will go in three directions: early school leaving, orientation and skills for employability.

A poster session will be dedicated to the best practices proposed for the attention of the Epale Italy Unit to broaden the knowledge of current experiences, which can be presented by the seminar participants themselves (find out how to apply for your project).

Finally, space will be given to some European examples with presentations by colleagues from other EPALE Units.

To participate, submit your online application by October 2nd. For the 90 selected participants, the expenses for food, accommodation and travel will be covered.

To know more:

• Send your participation request!
• Consult the seminar programme
• Research Report Territorial Educational Pacts and Enabling Pathways (Forum Inequalities Diversity)