Libya has officially incorporated the Italian language into its national school curricula, marking a step forward in cultural and educational ties with Italy.
On Thursday, Libya’s Minister of Education in the Government of National Unity, Musa Al-Maqrif, along with Italian Ambassador Gianluca Alberini, visited Bashir Al-Ashti Secondary School for Girls in Souq Al-Jumaa to observe the implementation of Italian classes.
The visit included participation from the cultural attaché of the Italian Embassy, the Director of the Educational Curricula and Research Center, municipal leaders, and various officials from the Ministry of Education. During their tour, the delegation attended an Italian language class, where students and teachers shared their experiences and impressions of the newly introduced elective subject.
Minister Al-Maqrif emphasized the importance of diversifying foreign language education in Libya. He noted that offering students additional language options like Italian broadens their cultural and professional horizons. He also revealed plans to introduce Chinese as a future elective, further expanding Libya’s language offerings and fostering greater international engagement.
The Italian Ambassador underscored Italy’s commitment to supporting Libya’s educational initiatives. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Italian Embassy and the Libyan Ministry of Education, which includes developing curricula, training teachers, and offering scholarships to encourage learning Italian across the country.
This initiative is more than just an educational reform; it also reinforces the historical and cultural connections between Libya and Italy, dating back to Italy’s colonial presence in Libya from 1911 to 1943. The Italian language is a gateway to understanding shared histories and fostering stronger bilateral ties in trade, politics, and cultural exchange.
By investing in multilingual education, Libya aims to equip its students with the skills needed for a more interconnected world, enhance cultural exchange, and strengthen relationships with global partners.
