Sì Ceramica!, a project for middle school students | by Enrica Gibellini

Sì Ceramica! is an innovative new project promoted and financed by Confindustria Ceramica that aims to familiarise younger generations with the ceramic industry, to dispel their preconceptions about the industry and make them aware of the career opportunities it has to offer. The aim of the initiative is not to force schoolchildren to grow up too quickly but to ensure that they have complete freedom and knowledge at important moments in their lives, such as when choosing a high school. “Early career guidance is not based on the idea of a choice but on self-discovery and exploration of the world, including the world of education, work and professions, in order to broaden students’ horizons and help them achieve their full potential” (Niles & Harris-Bowlsbey, 2017).

“Childhood experiences play an important role in shaping the identities of future adults, and the career decision process in children begins early on through observation of the world around them and understanding of the role that work will play in their future lives. The aim is to provide students with the tools that will enable them, individually and collectively, to influence the structures that prevent them from fully achieving their potential and pursuing their aspirations” (Crause, Watson & McMahon, 2016).

This first edition of the Sì Ceramica! project is aimed at middle school students aged from 11 to 14 in the Emilia-Romagna region. Tailored to different year groups, the educational approach involves accompanying the students on a journey of discovery of the Italian ceramic industry in which they will learn about the mechanisms, concepts and terminologies relating to the materials and production process, and eventually discover the main professions associated with the sector.

 

 

The project was developed by the agency d&f, which specialises in educational pathways and communication strategies. “Sì Ceramica! is a project that responds to the educational challenge posed by Confindustria Ceramica and at the same time addresses genuine educational requirements in schools,” says Stefano Braga, CEO of d&f. “Our agency is committed to creating communication projects that play a social role and, as in this case, raise students’ awareness of the issues that will shape their futures. We are proud to be involved in a project that we are certain will create value for schools, students and businesses.” This value will also be enhanced by a three-year plan that in the coming years will extend its reach to high school students in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Bologna, Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna, with an updated curriculum to suit the needs of this new age group.

“With Sì Ceramica! we want to make students active participants in a unique educational journey exploring an industry steeped in history yet constantly evolving through innovation, maintaining their interest through the use of tools that combine playful activities with insightful content,” says Morena Tosi, Senior creative strategist at d&f.

 

Agenzia d&f

From left: Morena Tosi, Giulio Saltarelli, Sara Lenzi, Stefano Braga (d&f agency)

 

“The educational project begins with a digital quiz-game for first-year students that takes them on a journey into the world of ceramics to discover its mechanisms, concepts and key terminology. It then evolves into educational pathways for second and third year students, including the possibility of guided tours of ceramic factories and museums,” adds Giulio Saltarelli, Account manager at d&f.

Classes participating in Sì Ceramica! will also have the opportunity to take part in a prize competition that involves sharing a phrase, slogan or short description of the world of ceramics using the new words and concepts they have acquired. An expert panel will select ten winning schools, each of which will receive a voucher for purchasing educational material.

The Sì Ceramica! project is the latest in a series of educational initiatives for schoolchildren launched by Confindustria Ceramica in the Emilia-Romagna region. The essence of the initiative is encapsulated by the words of psychiatrist Paolo Crepet: “Education means first and foremost preparing the new generations for the difficult but wonderful challenges that lie ahead”.

 

December 2023