«Student participation is the air of democracy». With these words, Luigi Maria de Francesco, representative of the Institute of the “GB Scorza” Scientific High School of Cosenza, opened the proceedings of the event “Together to give a voice to the young people of Cosenza”, underway this morning in the Aula Magna of the institute.
The young representative immediately placed emphasis on the fundamental role of student involvement in civic life, underlining that young people do not only intend to be listened to, but want to actively contribute to bringing Cosenza to an increasingly higher level, especially in 2026, the year in which the city of Bruzia will officially be the “City of Youth”. His speech captured the attention of students, teachers and authorities present, transforming the initiative into a true generational bridge to imagine the future of the area.
Greetings from the institutions
Among the institutional greetings, particularly touching was that of the mayor of Cosenza, Franz Caruso, who expressed great pride in the initiative, remembering with emotion that he was a former student of the Scorza high school. “I am proud of what you are doing – said the mayor – because I too have been a scoundrel and I know how much this school trains aware citizens”.
The head teacher Rosanna Rizzo thanked the students for their commitment, defining the event as a concrete example of active citizenship and reiterating how these initiatives are fundamental for training young people capable of participating responsibly in community life.
Young people, democracy and city identity
During the morning, quotes from Aldo Moro, Beniamino Andreatta and Piero Calamandrei also resonated, recalled to inspire those present on the value of democracy, participation and civic sense. Salvatore Giordano, president of the Municipal Youth Council, emphasized the inclusive capacity of Cosenza, defining it as the “city of two rivers”, the Crati and the Busento, a symbol of union and hospitality, capable of integrating different cultures and generations.
Present in the Aula Magna, among others, were the commander of the Rende Carabinieri Company, Andrea Aiello, delegates of the police forces, representatives of the Civil Protection of the Calabria Region, the institute representatives Eraldo Zecca and Massimo Marchese, as well as numerous students of the two-year and three-year courses of the Cosenza high school. Loredana Giannicola, general director of the regional school office for Calabria, spoke remotely.
The event confirms the central role of the Scorza High School in promoting active citizenship and dialogue between school and institutions. The morning continues with speeches and proposals from the students, all united by the objective of making Cosenza an increasingly open, inclusive and youth-friendly city.