At Didacta 2025, a groundbreaking educational initiative called “The Circle – Mediterranean School” was unveiled, an effort promoted by the Future Food Institute and the Angelo Vassallo Mediterranean Diet Study Center. This coalition is rooted in the Mediterranean Diet’s emblematic communities and aims to create a new educational model focused on Integral Ecology and living heritage preservation, preparing a new generation of Climate Shapers. These young people will be pivotal in driving the ecological and digital transitions needed to address today’s global challenges.
The Vision Behind “The Circle”
The initiative, which brings together schools, communities, and innovators, is designed to integrate sustainability into educational frameworks, turning schools into laboratories for ecological and social regeneration. The goal is to empower the next generation with the knowledge and practical skills required to meet pressing environmental concerns, particularly those associated with the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
The event was introduced by Sara Roversi, President of the Future Food Institute and the founder of Paideia Campus, and Stefano Pisani, Mayor of Pollica, Secretary of the UNESCO Mediterranean Diet Emblematic Communities, and Delegate for UNESCO Relations at ANCI. Roversi emphasized that education, particularly when combined with real-world experience, plays a crucial role in enabling the climate action needed to regenerate our planet.
Key Speakers and Their Impactful Messages
The launch event included contributions from several notable individuals, including environmental explorer Alex Bellini, who shared his personal experiences from some of the most climate-impacted places on Earth. Bellini’s powerful message highlighted the importance of shifting narratives around the climate crisis and focusing on action to change the status quo.
“Our job is not just to tell these stories, but to change the narrative in order to change the reality,” Bellini said.
His words underscored the urgency of transforming both our mindset and actions to address the ongoing environmental challenges.
Education and Innovation for Ecological Development
“The Circle” is designed to create a platform for cooperation between schools, innovators, and local communities, all centered around the Mediterranean Diet. By incorporating these elements into education, the initiative aims to provide concrete tools for integrating sustainability into teaching and learning processes.
Key features of the initiative include:
Immersive Experiences for students and teachers to gain practical knowledge about sustainability and ecological regeneration.
International Mobility Programs that allow for collaboration across borders, fostering cooperation, entrepreneurship, and gastrodiplomacy.
New Educational Models that focus on combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on, community-based experiences.
The Role of the Future Food Institute and Paideia Campus
The Future Food Institute has been at the forefront of sustainability education through its Paideia Campus in Pollica, a hub for training Climate Shapers since 2020. Over 1,000 young people are trained annually through various programs that include boot camps, immersive experiences, and advanced training focused on sustainability.
Some of the key local initiatives include:
“Trame Mediterranee”: A project aimed at promoting social inclusion and the Mediterranean Diet as a living heritage, with a focus on helping youth at risk of school dropout.
“Ben-Essere Mediterraneo”: A program that supports adolescent psychological well-being and addresses issues such as eating disorders and emotional difficulties, involving families, schools, and local organizations.
Educational Programs for the Future
The overarching mission of “The Circle – Mediterranean School” is to provide young people with innovative methodologies and sustainability tools to face global challenges. By integrating ecology and digital literacy into education, the initiative prepares students to be leaders in the ecological and digital transitions necessary for the future.
With a focus on building a global educational alliance, the initiative encourages teachers, school leaders, students, and education professionals to work together to make education a primary driver of ecological change.
Conclusion
“The Circle – Mediterranean School” aims to empower the next generation of leaders by fostering an education system that links sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage. By equipping students with the necessary skills to tackle climate challenges and develop a more resilient world, this initiative is helping to shape a future where education becomes a key player in global ecological and digital transitions.
The project’s emphasis on hands-on learning and community engagement ensures that students not only understand the urgency of the climate crisis but are also empowered to take action through practical solutions that integrate local heritage with sustainable practices. Through these efforts, “The Circle” is making strides toward a more sustainable and regenerative future for all.
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