For the third consecutive year, doubling their exhibition space, the Salesians in Italy will take part in the most important event on education and innovation in the school system. Organized by the National Institute for Documentation, Innovation, and Educational Research (INDIRE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Merit and the Ministry of Universities and Research, the fair will take place from March 12 to 14 at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.
Over the three days, innovative methodologies, cutting-edge projects, and experiences integrating school education and vocational training will be shared, following Don Bosco’s educational approach. This method places young people and their families at the center, addressing their needs in a comprehensive way and providing environments for cultural and professional growth.
“Participating in Didacta is an opportunity to share and highlight an educational model rooted in the Salesian tradition, which focuses on innovation, quality, and professionalism while keeping human values and personal growth at its core,” stated Fr. Elio Cesari, Director of the National Center for Salesian Works.
“Artificial intelligence, business, employment, school – this year, we bring our contribution to topics concerning a rapidly evolving social and professional landscape,” continued Fr. Cesari. “We respond by offering educational and training pathways that meet current needs while fostering an educational community—our distinctive feature. Where our young people are, we are there too, accompanying them on their journey of integral education.”
On March 12 at 12:30 PM, the central conference of the Salesians’ presence at Didacta will take place: “Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: An Open Workshop.” This session will present the national experiment with Google’s AI system, “Gemini,” involving over 1,000 teachers from the Salesian education network, including Salesians for Schools, Salesians for Vocational Training, and Salesians of Northern Italy (INE).
This unprecedented project, in terms of scale and territorial reach, was developed in collaboration with Google Italy, “MR. Digital,” and “C2Group,” which have supported Salesian educators as technological and training partners.
“The AI experiment launched by Salesians for Schools using Google Gemini has enabled teachers to enhance their skills and personalize learning processes, ultimately improving students’ abilities,” explained Fr. Stefano Mascazzini, National President of Salesians for Schools (CNOS Scuola).
In addition, numerous workshops will be held at the Salesian stand, located in the Spadolini Pavilion, Attic Floor. These will cover topics ranging from artificial intelligence to hands-on teaching, music production, and simulated business projects, providing a comprehensive overview of the educational innovations shaping Salesian schools and vocational training centers across nearly all of Italy.
“The presence of the Salesian network for vocational training and education at Didacta reflects a journey that, starting from our founder Don Bosco, has always sought to provide education and workforce preparation that keeps pace with the times, offering teachers and trainers opportunities for skill development and professional growth,” said Fr. Giuliano Giacomazzi, General Director of Salesians for Vocational Training (CNOS-FAP ETS Foundation).
Salesian schools number 150 across 15 regions, employing 2,684 teachers and educating 24,077 students. The 63 Vocational Training Centers, structured through 16 regional delegations, serve 23,322 students with the support of 1,403 trainers.
The educational programs presented at Didacta 2025 emphasize creativity and professionalism in organizing teaching and training activities, promoting both cultural growth and the development of strategic skills essential for life choices. This approach integrates professional competencies with human development.
This commitment to education continues to bring Don Bosco’s vision to life in the present: education is a matter of the heart.
