Coding Girls in Mozambique: cultural exchange between IIS Ferrari-Mercurino and young women in Manica.
The new generations are growing up in a complex world, marked by major global challenges that can often generate uncertainty, fear of failure, and a sense of impotence. Despite these difficulties, many young people demonstrate a great ability to adapt, and creativity and sensitivity towards crucial issues such as the environment, social inclusion, and the right to quality education. Although they may sometimes seem disoriented or looking for immediate solutions, there are many young people who work hard to make their dreams come true, often through unconventional paths that require courage and determination. The life experiences and personal stories of many of them, even using different approaches and tools compared to previous generations, describe a constant commitment to making their dreams come true.
Last Tuesday, November 26, marked the beginning of an on-line cultural exchange, as part of Coding Girls in Mozambique Programme, between a last-year at the Liceo Ferrari-Mercurino in Gattinara, in the Province of Vercelli, and a class of twenty students from the Province of Manica. A significant opportunity for dialogue and mutual growth that allowed the students to exchange ideas, dreams, and plans for the future – and gave us the opportunity to meet some of these young people who are so eager to find their place in the world.
The event opened with the introduction of participants, who presented themselves, focusing on what they want to become "when they grow up." A seemingly simple question, but one that in reality is very reflective for young people who find themselves at an important crossroads in their lives, who constantly and inevitably clash between what would be right to do and what they would like to do. Lucia, for example, a student at IIS Ferrari-Mercurino, shared her passion for animals and her dream of becoming a veterinarian, without forgetting her love for music. Or Simone, who said he intended to become a computer engineer, despite having a strong interest in art.
On the other hand, Rosita, from the Province of Manica, talked about her dream of studying business management to create a social enterprise to support less well-off children in their studies, perhaps even abroad. Her partner Elisa expressed her desire to become an environmental expert to fight pollution and protect Mozambique's natural resources, while Eva shared her desire to become a doctor and specialize in general medicine and help as many people as possible. Despite cultural differences, the meeting highlighted how many experiences and aspirations unite young people from different parts of the world. Many of them are engaged in small jobs to save money or support their families. Annagiulia, for example, works as a waitress; Prisca cooks and sells sweets; Danila is a hairdresser and makes "braids".
One of the most engaging moments of the meeting was the “Ferrari-Mercurino Exhibition” in which the Italian students presented two projects created with the support of technology: a 3D virtual tour of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Varallo, a digital art project, and a robot that they hope to complete in time to participate in RomeCup 2025. The Mozambican students were very curious, asking questions and demonstrating a keen interest in the projects.
A question posed by an Italian student further stimulated the conversation: “What is the technological level like in your country?” Rosita answered with determination, explaining that the technological level in Mozambique varies greatly based on the economic condition of the families. There are more opportunities to access technology in private schools, while public schools often lag behind. “We have seen that you have multimedia boars, in our schools we use chalk.”
Finally, the exchange moved on to the topic of female empowerment, with a question posed by a Mozambican student to her Italian peers: “What do you think giving more power to women means?” The students reflected on how it is still necessary to promote gender equality, especially in the STEM sectors, in which the female presence is still a minority, not only to guarantee equal opportunities, but also to make society more equitable and competitive, promoting economic, scientific and social progress in all parts of the world.
- “What word would you use to summarise the meeting?”
-“Innovative” decided the Mozambican students “because the meeting represented a new and enriching experience for us.”
- “Educational” replied the IIS Ferrari-Mercurino class, “because we recognize how much this opportunity has broadened our cultural and personal horizons”.
Even if hidden behind fears or difficulties, young people do have dreams. Our task is to support, encourage, and provide tools to help new generations discover and follow their aspirations. Trusting them means investing in the future, knowing that change and innovation start from the new ideas and energy of the generations to come.
Report by Elisabetta Gramatica, Project Officer.
