"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.
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