On May 19th and 20th, 2025, the city of Syracuse will host a key meeting of the Italian Network of Educating Cities, as part of the journey toward Granollers 2026. This two-day event will serve as an opportunity for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration among Italian member cities.

The meeting will officially open with institutional greetings from Mayor Francesco Italia and Councilor for Syracuse Educating City, Marco Zappulla, held at City Hall, setting the stage for a program focused on mutual learning and shared commitment to education-centered urban development.

Key Topics for Exchange and Collaboration

Throughout the event, participating cities will share projects and best practices across several thematic areas central to the IAEC mission:

1. School Dropout Prevention

Syracuse will present its local initiatives aimed at tackling early school leaving. The city invites contributions from other participants to facilitate a collaborative discussion on effective strategies for keeping students engaged and supported throughout their education.

2. Family Support Services

A dedicated session will explore family support services implemented across various territories. Syracuse will showcase its mobile family support unit, an innovative program developed in close partnership with social services and third sector organizations to provide flexible, accessible support to families in need.

3. Job Day

The city will also highlight its Job Day initiative, designed to address the mismatch between labor supply and demand. This initiative promotes direct interaction between young people and local employers, opening a discussion on career guidance, youth empowerment, and efforts to combat inactivity and unemployment, especially among young citizens.

Syracuse: The City as a Classroom

Syracuse embraces the philosophy that the entire city is a space for learning. Education here extends beyond the walls of traditional schools to include parks, libraries, historical sites, and cultural institutions. The city offers a rich and varied educational landscape, including:

• Environmental education at the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area

• Literacy and book education at the Alagonian Library

• Historical and archaeological learning at Castello Maniace and local museums

• Education in local crafts and maritime heritage at the Museo del Mare and aboard the Selene

• Theatre and classical arts education through the Proagon Project and performances by INDA – National Institute of Ancient Drama

This approach—Educate with the City—is a dynamic and innovative strategy that integrates educational hubs such as museums, civic buildings, and public spaces, transforming the learning experience into a stimulating and immersive journey. As part of the event, participants will have the opportunity to visit these key educational sites, experiencing firsthand how Syracuse leverages its cultural and environmental resources to foster lifelong learning and active citizenship.