The first Italian language course in Iraqi Kurdistan was inaugurated by consul Michele Camerota last 21st April in Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Iraqi region.
As the Italian consulate in Erbil reports, the language course is “created in collaboration with the Dante Alighieri Society and held at the Catholic University of Erbil (CUE), with which the consulate has excellent collaborative relations”.
“A young and dynamic academic institution, located in the Ankawa district, the CUE was also born thanks to the decisive support of the Italian Episcopal Conference and the Authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan”, we read in the press release.
The CUE’s activities and educational offerings “are constantly growing and is widely appreciated for its inclusiveness without distinction of belief or affiliation and a cutting-edge campus”.
The Italian course, we read, is aimed at a class of 17 students.
The 24 lessons, two hours each for a period of three months, are carried out remotely by a Dante Alighieri teacher.
At the end of the course, a certificate will be issued, after attending at least 80% of the lessons.
“The initiative – we read – has received appreciation from the Kurdish authorities, confirming a particularly favorable climate for developing activities to promote Italian culture in the autonomous region”.
“There is in fact a strong demand – said Consul Camerota – for the diffusion of the Italian language and culture which comes both from the Kurdish regional authorities and from the local population, testifying to solid bonds of friendship and deep sympathy towards Italy “.
“This new initiative of ours – after the events dedicated to cuisine, design and opera – intends to give a further concrete answer to this question, in the belief of the value that culture can have in building paths of peace, dialogue and of social redemption”, added the consul.
