PALERMO (ITALPRESS) – The University of Palermo launches the campaign for the promotion of the inscriptions “Diffused University”, a project that has reached its fifth edition and is part of the policies of the Third Mission of the University, as a strategic initiative of Public Engagement that brings the expertise of UniPa in the territories through training paths realized in collaboration with associations, institutions and schools, promoting the dissemination of knowledge and active participation of local communities. The Diffusa University is an action to promote the cultural growth of the population even outside the university study programs and regenerate the cultural and civic fabric also of the most fragile territorial districts. The project is an integral part of the Strategic Plan of Athens (2024-2027) to fulfil its social responsibility in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. Through “training alliances” and interactive co-design directly with stakeholders, associations, institutions and local schools, free educational paths are offered to foster educational potential and enhance social inclusion, generating shared well-being.
For the 2026 edition “Differentiated University” recorded a significant increase of the offer compared to the previous year and previews altogether 33 paths, of which 29 at the Metropolitan City of Palermo, three at the University Centre of Trapani and one at the University Centre of Caltanissetta, realized in collaboration with 17 associations, four institutions and five schools of the territory. The routes address issues of current social and cultural relevance, including health and prevention, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, active citizenship, territorial development, education to legality, social innovation, well-being and intercultural dialogue. UniPa has adopted a shared administration model based on an annual cycle of shared design, through preliminary information meetings, at the institutional offices aimed at associations and agencies of the provinces of Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento and Caltanissetta to map and collect educational needs of the territory. The Co-Progettation Week has been organized, with the joint work tables between the representatives of schools and non-profit institutions together with the faculty of the University, to structure training courses shared by 25 hours aimed at citizenship. The routes will start in October and will end by December and will have a total duration of 25 hours, articulated in training activities in the presence and individual study. To participants who will attend at least 15 hours of activity and will pass the final test will be recognized a certificate of participation, a Credito Formativo Universitario (CFU), in the cases previewed, and the Open Badge associated with the paths that preview it.
“With “Diffused University” we want to know it really is everyone – says Massimo Midiri, Rector of the University of Palermo – we imagine it as an archipelago of places, people and ideas: different islands, often far away from each other, that knowledge can relate. It is one of the most concrete expressions of our Third Mission: exit the traditional boundaries of classrooms to meet people and create opportunities for confrontation and participation. The success of previous editions and the growth of this new experience confirm how disruptive the project is. It means helping to counter educational poverty, strengthening inclusion and fostering an increasingly active citizenship, capable of addressing the major issues of topicality with awareness and involvement.”.
“The initiative confirms the commitment of the University of Palermo in the construction of public engagement paths capable of generating public value and social impact – comments Ada Maria Florena, Prorector of the Third Mission – “Diffus University” strengthens the link with local communities to build participatory processes and foster the dissemination of knowledge.”.
“The collaboration with associations, institutions and schools – underlines Luisa Amenta, Prorector of Innovative Teaching and Study Law – allows to develop innovative training experiences, capable of fostering active citizenship, inclusion and social growth.”.
“The University of Palermo has taken seriously the challenge of Agenda 2030 and its objectives – explains Marcantonio Ruisi, Delegate to Public Engagement – This project allows us to aim at least to the SDGs 4,8,9,10 and 11 with concrete and co-project activities with those who live the territories, within which we have entered the tip of feet listening, studying problems and criticalities to delineate in full collaboration with.
“Five years have passed since the first edition of “Diffus University” and, looking at the path made, what gives us the sense of this experience are the links that we have managed to build – says Luca Vazzano, Director Area Terza Missione – Legami between the University and the territory, between people and institutions, between the need to meet and the will to welcome. And it is precisely from these bonds that the ability to listen, intercept needs and transform them into bridges of knowledge. The fifth edition represents, therefore, not only the growth of a project, but the maturation of a different way of living the Third Mission: a University that becomes a shared space not only reaches those who are farther but invites to live its spaces giving answers and opportunities”.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
