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Dec.5 - Dec.12, 2004 |
Italian identity at York
University cultural events achieve two goals with students
By Francesco Veronesi
Originally Published: 2004-10-31
The defense and promotion of Italian culture and the maintenance of links with Italian tradition and roots within the world of university are the main purposes of the Italian Association of York University (IAYU), a group formed in the '80s and grown through over 20 years of history. "With the passing of years, the interest in our association has been constantly growing among York University students," told us 20-year-old Stephanie Daniele. "Last year we had a membership of over 500 students, and this year we have already passed 400, and we are confident of repeating and even passing last year's figure."
The work of IAYU spans numerous fields. In addition to promoting Italian culture within the university, the group organizes specific events that have developed into yearly occasions: from Cultural Days to Fashion Shows, from student parties to trips to other Canadian cities. All the initiatives are charitable, as all the funds raised are given to charities.
"In this way we manage to achieve two important goals," adds Jennifer Naccarato, 19 years old; "on the one hand we get an opportunity to present the culture of our country of origin to other university students; on the other we can give our small contribution to worthy causes."
For several years, the funds raised have gone to the Breast Cancer Society and the Children's Wish Foundation.
Within the university, a student association also serves as a meeting place, possibly among people belonging to different cultures and national origins. "This is also a very important element," continues Stephanie. "Any encounter with difference is an occasion for growth: our own association has some 25 percent of its members having a non-Italian background. We have Poles, Greeks, Hispanics, Hungarians, Africans. Many of them associate with us out of simple curiosity for Italy, its traditions, its culture; others because they have some exams of Italian in their academic plans."
The two students emphasize that the interest for things Italian is on the rise even from an academic standpoint. The Department of Italian Studies at York University runs yearly courses and exams on Italian history, Italian language, and Italian migration. The latter subject holds particular interest from Italian-Canadian students, who thus get an opportunity to learn the history of their parents or grandparents, the reasons that sent generations of Italian overseas on a quest for a better life in another country.
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