There is a Sardinian ambassador for Italian cuisine, nominated by the Government to become a UNESCO heritage site. His name is Omar Poddighe, he is 13 years old, he is from Siurgus Donigala. When he grows up he wants to be a shepherd and he has clear ideas. So much so that he has written a proposal to submit to the institutions for the expansion of the educational offer in schools which, he is convinced, must make children understand the importance of the agricultural-pastoral world for the economy and society. The idea was very much liked by the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida who, on board the Vespucci, docked in Cagliari, nominated him "youngest ambassador of Italian Cuisine" and relaunched the image of the awarding of the honor on his social channels.
"Usually when I tell my friends that I want to be a shepherd they make fun of me. But I think they make fun of themselves because they don't understand," Omar explained. "That's why I want to propose to Parliament some activities at school that help my classmates understand the value of Sardinia's agro-pastoral culture and ensure that the shepherd is no longer seen as a violent and ignorant man." The thirteen-year-old added: "I would like the school to take us to see the farms near Siurgus, the town where I live, and for there to be some work done together between the institutions."
Omar's first great achievement came thanks to the project "La Relay of Legality" by the social cooperative "Punto a Capo". The goal is to bring young people closer to institutions. To introduce them to them but also to show them the way to become citizens capable of acting for the good of the community. Led by educator Simona Pinna, creator and coordinator of the initiative, the kids met politicians and others (the relays), who collaborated in the conception, formulation and drafting of the proposals to bring to the attention of the legislator.
Omar Poddighe collaborated with Andrea Dettori, chief of staff of the regional department of Culture: «We have written a proposal that includes courses to “expand the educational offer” during school curricular hours or during extracurricular hours, that is, in the afternoon», explains the very young aspiring shepherd, «the classes will be able to visit the main agricultural companies in the area to learn about and understand the cultural and economic importance of the agro-pastoral world. To do this, it is important to create a collaboration between the lower secondary school, the Municipality, Coldiretti and trade associations».
Enrico Fresu