ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
The “Italia Lingua Cultura” Association is a non-profit organization. Our general focus is preserving and supporting the teaching and dissemination of the Italian language and culture in Ontario with the special goal of providing support to the YCDSB’s International Language Italian Extended Day Program. We plan to support the development, propagation and implementation of modern teaching tools and methods, and work collaboratively with YCDSB instructors to make the learning experience more engaging and accessible. This will be accomplished by assisting in the delivery of workshops and seminars and recommending print, online and multimedia resources for staff.
In recent years, the program has faced significant financial challenges. To address the Program’s funding issues, We seek to collaborate with Canadian and Italian institutions, local agencies, and other organizations to ensure the ongoing delivery of the program’s activities and services.
A key objective is to secure yearly funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (click to see “Grant from MAECI”).
THE DIRECTORS OF OUR ASSOCIATION ARE: MARIA IAFRATE, ANGELA SAGGESE, DOMINIC MAZZOTTA, FAUSTO MAMMOLITI, AND LUCA BUIANI.
THE PROGRAM AT YCDSB
The International Language Extended Day Program (Elementary) operated by the York Catholic District School Board gives children a valuable opportunity to learn another language and culture. The Board has recognized the importance of educational experiences involving International Languages since the early 1980’s. Currently, York Catholic students have the opportunity to attend twenty-one different school sites where the Italian Language is taught and offered during the school day. The school day is lengthened by 20 minutes to accommodate the International Language Extended Day Program and classes are offered on a 40 minute alternate day model for an average of 100 minutes of instruction per week. The Italian Language program is not intended for students of Italian descent only. It is tailored to all students through differentiated instruction.
The Italian Language Extended-Day Program is predominantly funded by the Ministry of Education and currently serves around 5500 students (school year 2023-2024) in approximately 240 classes from SK to Grade 8. This program offers students a unique opportunity to learn a second or third language and immerse themselves in a new culture or the culture of their ancestry.
The extensive studies in the field of language education have consistently proven that students who study additional languages display higher academic performance and have increased career options and opportunities available to them because of the additional communication skills obtained. In addition, educational research has shown that learning an international language facilitates the learning of both the English language and other languages, provides cultural enrichment to schools and helps to develop an appreciation for diversity and intercultural understanding.
