Training Teachers to Tackle Educational Poverty
In Italy, educational poverty represents one of the most significant barriers to social mobility and to creating real opportunities for younger generations. It is a phenomenon that affects territories unevenly and impacts not only academic outcomes, but also young people’s confidence, aspirations and ability to imagine their future – particularly in the most vulnerable contexts.
It is within this scenario that Teach for Italy was founded in 2019. A non-profit organisation and part of the international Teach for All network, its mission is to strengthen the Italian education system starting from schools most exposed to educational poverty, by training a new generation of teachers capable of creating positive and lasting impact on students’ learning and personal development.
Through a two-year advanced training programme – the fellowship – Teach for Italy selects talented graduates and young professionals and prepares them to work as teachers (fellows) in public schools characterised by high levels of social complexity. Alongside classroom teaching, fellows receive structured training, mentoring and continuous support.
The Partnership Between Fondazione Marcegaglia and Teach for Italy
Within this framework, Fondazione Marcegaglia has chosen to support Teach for Italy’s 2024–2026 growth plan, recognising teacher training as a strategic lever to combat educational poverty and generate long-term systemic change. The Foundation’s total contribution of €70,000 is specifically allocated to supporting the training of six female fellows over the three-year period.
This support strengthens the overall quality of the fellowship experience, from pedagogical training and professional development to enhancing the fellows’ teaching, relational and leadership skills.
To date, thanks to the Foundation’s contribution, four female fellows – Giulia Privitera, Federica Limonta, Silvia Zaghi and Giulia Fontana – have been supported. They have been placed in schools across different Italian cities, including Turin, Milan, Vicenza and Ferrara, all operating in contexts marked by marginalisation, school dropout and educational poverty.
The Voice of Those Who Experience School Every Day
Federica Limonta, a fellow supported by Fondazione Marcegaglia during her two-year fellowship, taught English at the Centro Italiano Opere Femminili Salesiane (CIOFS) in Milan, working in a school environment characterised by social vulnerability and complex life paths.
“When I began the fellowship, I never imagined that the greatest challenge would be going home each day carrying the lives and emotions of hundreds of students. I realised that, before school subjects, their priority is learning how to navigate the world without being overwhelmed by their emotions and personal stories (…)”.
Throughout her journey, Federica describes learning to balance empathy with practical tools, emotional closeness with educational guidance. A daily effort grounded in listening, recognising vulnerabilities and valuing each student’s potential.
“Teaching means starting from the people in front of you – their fragilities and their strengths. By building on these, the real goal becomes developing awareness, a sense of possibility and both individual and collective leadership (…)”.
This impact is also reflected in students’ stories. Federica recalls, for instance, Aya, a student who for the first time was able to discuss topics such as women’s rights and freedom of expression in class, finding in school a safe space for dialogue and recognition. An experience that highlights the value of school as a place capable of welcoming diverse stories and supporting young people in building their identity.
An Impact Beyond the Classroom
In recent years, Teach for Italy has significantly strengthened its presence across the country. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the organisation supports over 100 fellows, operates in 80 schools across 15 regions and 41 provinces, and reaches thousands of students in contexts affected by high levels of educational poverty.
Evaluations show that students who have a Teach for Italy fellow in class feel safer and more valued – conditions that encourage participation, responsibility and more conscious learning. Educational environments where school becomes a space for growth, relationships and opportunity.
Training that Generates Change
Supporting Teach for Italy means investing in education as a lever for social transformation, strengthening public schools and expanding educational opportunities for those living in more vulnerable contexts. Through its support for fellowship pathways, Fondazione Marcegaglia contributes to building educational interventions capable of generating long-term impact, accompanying students in developing their skills, aspirations and potential.
Supporting Change Together
Support for Teach for Italy is part of Fondazione Marcegaglia’s broader and ongoing commitment to younger generations. The Foundation works alongside women and young people to promote social and economic growth, supporting projects aimed at tackling educational poverty and strengthening communities.
Discover all the projects supported by Fondazione Marcegaglia
You too can contribute to supporting these pathways by allocating your 5×1000 tax contribution to Fondazione Marcegaglia.
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