G20, Minister Bianchi: “Bring back school in the presence but with great attention”

“We have been organizing for some time to bring the school back into the presence, but with great attention. We must not forget that the pandemic is not over. And if there is one place where caution is needed, it is schools”. This was said by the Minister of Education, Patrizio Bianchi, during the press conference that closes the first day of the G20 in Catania. “Security measures must be taken – he added – and not only in schools. There is a problem of transport, especially in high schools”. “The CTS – highlighted the minister – will give us what are the constraints to bear for this. We have seen that the virus knows no borders. We must guarantee safety at school, outside the school and organize the school in the area in a more articulated way, with structures more present in the area “. After Covid – Bianchi emphasized – investing in education is the main tool to get out of the crisis. Covid has further highlighted the centrality of schools. Distance teaching must not be a way to alienate students and teachers, it must not be a tool to replace face-to-face teaching, but to expand it “. For the minister, moreover,” we need to rethink educational paths also linked to living and sharing together experience and placing great emphasis on educational spaces. We are all aligned on this. ” “All twenty countries – Bianchi announced – agree on the need to spread knowledge much more. The pandemic has taught us this, only by sharing can crises be overcome”. “On distance teaching – continued the minister – we all agree in having to go back to school in the presence. Distance teaching is a tool for expanding relationships and exchanges of knowledge. It does not replace but broadens the potential”. Francesco Bianco)