Ferrero and Ministry for sports in schools

Context

In brief

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Ferrero spa
• Promotion of recreational and motor activities in schools
• Goal: to spread the culture of physical activity

Key facts

• What: Memorandum of Understanding for educational and training activities
• When: April 28, 2026
• Where: Headquarters of the Ministry of Education and Merit
• Who: Ministry of Education and Merit and Ferrero spa
• Amount: Not yet specified

The Minister of Education and Merit Giuseppe Valditara and the President of Ferrero spa Massimo Micieli signed, at the headquarters of the MIM, the Memorandum of Understanding to promote educational and training activities, of a recreational, motor and sports orientation nature, in primary and lower secondary schools. The aim is to spread the culture of motor and sports activity as a lever for the training of students, as well as inclusion, guidance and combating school dropout.

This Memorandum reflects the relevance and commitment in promoting physical activity as an educational and training tool that the Ministry of Education and Merit has wanted to interpret also through structural investments, including those destined for the improvement of school gyms, to support interventions of enhancement, safety and requalification of spaces dedicated to sport.

Implications for cross-border workers

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education and Merit and Ferrero spa represents a significant opportunity for cross-border workers who work in Ticino and whose children attend Italian schools. The recreational and motor activities promoted by the Joy of moving project can contribute to a better physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development of students, fostering a more inclusive and participatory school environment. Furthermore, the attention to teacher training and the provision of scientifically validated training tools can improve the quality of education offered, directly benefiting cross-border worker families.

Practical scenarios

With the implementation of the Memorandum, primary and lower secondary schools could introduce new sports and recreational activities in their school programs. This could include accredited courses for teachers, specific teaching materials and the creation of spaces dedicated to physical activity. For cross-border workers, this could mean a greater educational offer for their children, with a positive impact on their well-being and personal growth.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the agreement, Italian schools could already benefit from some physical activity promotion programs, but the agreement with Ferrero spa represents a significant step forward. The Joy of moving methodology, already applied in thousands of Italian schools, has involved over 60,000 classes and a million students, demonstrating its effectiveness and its roots in the educational system. With the renewal of the Memorandum, a further enhancement of these activities is expected, with tangible benefits for students and their families.

Operational details

Analysis of Playful-Motor Activities

The playful-motor activities promoted by the agreement between the Ministry of Education and Merit and Ferrero spa are based on the scientifically validated Joy of Moving methodology. This methodology is based on movement and play, prioritizing the relational and participatory aspects. The goal is to contribute to the physical-motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of students, making the playful-motor activity an inclusive, participatory, and joyful experience.

Benefits for Students

Playful-motor activities can develop cognitive, relational, and emotional skills in students. Through sport, young people learn to collaborate, respect rules, manage emotions, and face commitment. Moreover, motor activity, especially when shared and outdoors, represents a natural antidote to the risk of isolation and digital dependence, fostering authentic relationships and balanced personal development.

Teacher Training

The agreement provides for the training of teachers through accredited courses, making available simple and easily replicable educational tools, but scientifically validated. This can improve the quality of teaching and the effectiveness of playful-motor activities in schools. For cross-border workers, this means that their children will benefit from quality education, with better-prepared teachers and more comprehensive school programs.

Impact on School Dropout

One of the goals of the agreement is to combat school dropout. Playful-motor activities can help keep students motivated and involved in school life, reducing the risk of abandonment. This is particularly important for cross-border workers, who often face unique challenges in ensuring quality education for their children.

Recommended tools

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Key points

Procedures for implementing the protocol

To implement the protocol, Italian schools will need to follow specific procedures. First, teachers will need to be trained through accredited courses, providing scientifically validated training tools. Subsequently, schools can introduce new recreational and motor activities into their curricula, using the teaching materials provided by Ferrero spa.

Deadlines and timelines

The timelines for implementing the protocol have not yet been specified, but it is expected that activities will begin by the end of the 2026 school year. Interested schools will be able to participate in training courses and receive the necessary teaching materials to start the new activities.

Tools and resources available

The Ministry of Education and Merit and Ferrero spa will provide schools with a series of tools and resources to implement the protocol. These include teaching materials, teacher training courses, and technical support for creating spaces dedicated to physical activity. For cross-border workers, this means that their children will benefit from quality education, with more comprehensive curricula and better-prepared teachers.

Final CTA

To learn more about the opportunities offered by the protocol between the Ministry of Education and Merit and Ferrero spa, visit our salary calculator to discover how these initiatives can influence your income and your family's well-being. Additionally, consult our guides on health insurance and pensions to best plan your future in Ticino.

Source: varesenoi.it