An example of Sardinian excellence in education has risen to national prominence. The "Leonardo Da Vinci" Comprehensive School in Decimomannu was chosen by the President of the Republic's staff to participate in the prestigious project "The Quirinale in Schools: The Institution and the Palace." This is not a call for applications, but an exclusive invitation that the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, together with the Ministry of Education, is offering to just four schools in Italy for the school year.
The selection process for the Decimomannu school was prompted by the attention shown to the presidential estate, starting with the previous reservation for a visit to the Castelporziano estate. This unique opportunity was enjoyed by students from classes 1C and 2C of the secondary school.
An unforgettable journey
The adventure found the crucial support of headmistress Giuliana Angius (who herself traveled with the students), the travel department led by teacher Paola Meloni, and the passionate guidance of teachers Maria Caterina Tatti and Cristina Pusceddu, as well as the support of the Cagliari Education Authority. The journey was divided into two phases. First, in April, experts from the General Secretariat came directly to the school for interactive workshops on the Constitution. Then, the big leap: the trip to Rome.
The students had greatly hoped to meet President Sergio Mattarella in person, but the busy schedule at the Quirinale Palace prevented the meeting. The Head of State nevertheless sent the students his warmest greetings through the same officials who guided their visit to the Palace.
Citizenship and island pride
Welcomed to the Palazzo with an elegance reminiscent of times past, the students proved remarkably equal to the occasion, engaging with surprising maturity in their discussions on complex topics such as the Albertine Statute and the figure of Liliana Segre. In the presidential rooms, the students also experienced a moment of pure wonder and healthy island pride as they admired the contemporary works of art by Sardinian masters Maria Lai and Pinuccio Sciola.
