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Feb 24 - March 3, 2002 |
Patronages discuss vote's effect
Professionals agree that community's youth is key to survival of Italian culture
By Roberto Cavagnaro
Originally Published: 2002-02-03
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One of several patronages in the Toronto area
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Patronages are a strong and vital reality here in Canada and especially in Toronto, where most of the people they assist reside. Even here, as we found out when interviewing the representatives of the worlds of education, culture, and Comites, there are significant points of agreement despite different positions.
Two points, in particular, can be stressed. First of all, a widespread concern for the delicate responsibilities vested into the future MPs; second, an understanding of the fact that any new policy for Italians abroad will need to be addressed specifically towards the youth.
Of course, mature people need not be alarmed. The patronages will not forget them, and will continue to assist them, in spite of the many misunderstandings hampering relations with the boards back in Italy. If anything, the new law will give a stronger voice to the communities abroad, thus improving the chances of efficient assistance.
"We do not fancy this to be the solution to all our problems," begins Antonietta Condello, who's been co-ordinating Inca-Cgil for the last 37 years, "but as a matter of course the very existence of a political representation in Rome will allow our problems to be better tackled."
Can we read this as a positive opinion on the recent law?
"Voting is a right, and those who want to will now be able to exercise it. This is good. To tell you the truth, however, the most recent surveys display no great interest in voting. The people in Rome should get an update on the current reality of Italian communities abroad, in particular about the children of the immigrants, our youth. In many cases, they couldn't care less about Italy."
How should Rome act, then?
"I understand that they have many other things on their minds, but dialogue should be strengthened; in my opinion, that is the only way to achieve something positive. For instance, they could begin by addressing the great demand for the diffusion of Italian culture and scholastic tools."
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