Welcomed by representatives of the University and the Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs, they will attend the degree course in Design
The Republic of San Marino yesterday welcomed two Palestinian students from the Gaza Strip, to whom the University of the Republic of San Marino awarded scholarships to attend the degree program in Design. Having landed late in the afternoon at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, along with 57 other students returning from the "IUPALS" (Italian Universities for Palestinian Students) program, promoted by the Conference of Italian University Rectors and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they were greeted by a delegation composed of representatives from the University of San Marino and the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Ambassador of San Marino to Italy, all of whom are actively involved in the project.
The two students, who will live on Mount Titano with a residence permit for the duration of their studies, will be provided with accommodation by the Caritas Vicariale of San Marino – Montefeltro. Each will be assigned a Smac Card. They will be able to take Italian language courses and use public transportation. They will be supported by two tutors as part of the University's activities.
The arrival of the students, aged 23 and 24, culminates a complex process that required joint technical, diplomatic, and administrative efforts from the Republic's institutions, particularly the University of San Marino, the Secretariat of State and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Secretariat of State for Education and Culture, the Embassy of San Marino in Italy, and the Italian Embassy in San Marino.
"We are giving a chance to a couple who have lost everything, including their university buildings, and even some of their professors and colleagues," explain the Rector of the University of San Marino, Corrado Petrocelli, and Director General Laura Gobbi. "This international solidarity project, launched last year and undergoing a complex process, fully represents the spirit of our University, without borders and ready to welcome anyone who wishes to study. It would not have been possible without the passionate and determined work of our staff, particularly the Internationalization Office, the involved Secretariats of State, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors Fabrizio Colaceci and Daniela Rotondaro, the Conference of Italian University Rectors, and the Vicariate Caritas of San Marino – Montefeltro, who, like us, care deeply about guaranteeing the right to education."
"The Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs," stated Secretary of State Luca Beccari, "immediately welcomed this important humanitarian project promoted by the University of the Republic of San Marino. Specifically, we have taken operational action to collaborate and facilitate the completion of numerous bureaucratic procedures, especially in relations with the competent Italian authorities, thanks also to the ongoing work of the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs."
