Viganello and Gaza schools twin: cultural exchanges and exhibitions

Context

In brief

• Twinning between Viganello school and Gaza school
• Exchange of letters, drawings, and stories
• Exhibition open to the public from April 27 to May 7

Key facts

• What: School twinning
• When: April 27 - May 7, 2026
• Where: Viganello middle school
• Who: Viganello middle school and Al-Salam school of Gaza
• Amount: Not yet specified

LUGANO - From April 27 to May 7, the Viganello middle school will host an exhibition dedicated to the twinning project between the school and the Al-Salam tent school in Gaza, created and supported by the Future in Peace – Human Rights and International Justice association. Born from the collaboration between the association and Italian teacher Alessandro Fanciotti of Viganello middle school, the project has directly connected young people living in profoundly different realities.

Through the exchange of letters, drawings, and personal stories, the students did not just communicate: they recognized each other, sharing dreams, fears, and hopes. 'For the boys of Gaza, the twinning represented much more than a school exchange,' reads the Future in Peace communiqué. 'It was a moment of respite, a fragment of normality in a life marked by deprivation and uncertainty. Speaking with peers from the other side of the world gave them back a feeling often denied: that of being seen, heard, considered. In a context where everything seems to collapse, even just knowing that someone thinks of them has reignited a spark of joy.'

Impact on Viganello students

For the students of Viganello, the impact was equally profound. 'Confronting such a harsh reality meant looking at their own lives with new eyes. They discovered what it means to live without certainties, without stability, without the things that are taken for granted for them: a safe home, a family protected, a school where they can learn every day. This confrontation generated awareness, gratitude, and a form of maturity that no book can teach.'

The value of education

At the heart of the exhibition is the value of education as a fundamental right. 'In Gaza, access to school is today strongly compromised: bombings have not only destroyed school buildings but also the continuity of young people's dreams. The Al-Salam school, created and supported by Future in Peace, was born precisely for this reason: to offer a space where one can still dream. In this sense, the project is not just a school exchange, but a concrete example of human rights education, capable of building bridges where often only distances exist, contributing to the formation of more attentive and aware citizens.'

The exhibition presents drawings, letters, and testimonies from the students, offering the public a direct, authentic, and, at times, disconcerting glimpse into this encounter between two worlds. It is open from Monday to Friday, during school hours, in the main hall of Viganello middle school.

Operational details

A Bridge Between Cultures

The twinning between the Viganello middle school and the Al-Salam school in Gaza is a concrete example of how education can build bridges between different cultures. The students of Viganello have had the opportunity to confront a reality very different from theirs, developing greater awareness and gratitude for their situation. This project has shown that, despite distances and differences, it is possible to create significant connections through education and cultural exchange.

The Importance of Education

Education is a fundamental right that is often compromised in contexts of conflict. In Gaza, bombings have destroyed not only school buildings but also the continuity of young people's dreams. The Al-Salam school, supported by Future in Peace, offers a space where young people can still dream and learn. This twinning project not only allowed the students of Viganello to better understand the reality of Gaza but also offered the young people of Gaza a moment of normality and hope.

The Exhibition and Its Impact

The exhibition dedicated to the twinning project is an opportunity for the public of Viganello to see directly the impact of this cultural exchange. The drawings, letters, and testimonies of the students offer an authentic and surprising glimpse into this encounter between two worlds. The exhibition is open from Monday to Friday during school hours at the auditorium of the Viganello middle school and represents a concrete example of how human rights education can contribute to forming more attentive and aware citizens.

Future Prospects

This twinning project could pave the way for further cultural exchange initiatives between schools from different parts of the world. The collaboration between the Viganello middle school and the Al-Salam school in Gaza demonstrates that, despite the difficulties, it is possible to create significant connections through education and cultural exchange. This type of initiative not only enriches the educational experience of the students but also contributes to promoting understanding and respect between different cultures.

Conclusion

The twinning between the Viganello middle school and the Al-Salam school in Gaza is a concrete example of how education can build bridges between different cultures. This project has shown that, despite distances and differences, it is possible to create significant connections through education and cultural exchange. The exhibition dedicated to this project represents an opportunity for the public of Viganello to see directly the impact of this cultural exchange and to understand the importance of education as a fundamental right.

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Key points

What to do to participate

If you are interested in participating in the exhibition dedicated to the twinning project between Viganello middle school and Al-Salam school in Gaza, you can visit the main hall of Viganello middle school from Monday to Friday during school hours. The exhibition is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to directly see the impact of this cultural exchange.

How to participate

To participate in the exhibition, simply go to the main hall of Viganello middle school during school hours. There is no need to book in advance, but it is advisable to check the opening hours before going. The exhibition is free and open to everyone.

What to bring

There is no need to bring anything specific to participate in the exhibition. However, if you wish to take notes or take photographs, you can bring a notepad or a camera with you. Remember to respect the school rules and not to disturb the students during class hours.

What to expect

During your visit to the exhibition, you will be able to see drawings, letters, and testimonies from the students who participated in the twinning project. The exhibition offers a direct and authentic look at this encounter between two worlds and represents a unique opportunity to understand the impact of education and cultural exchange.

Conclusion

The exhibition dedicated to the twinning project between Viganello middle school and Al-Salam school in Gaza is a unique opportunity to directly see the impact of this cultural exchange. If you are interested in participating, visit the main hall of Viganello middle school from Monday to Friday during school hours. Do not miss this opportunity to understand the importance of education as a fundamental right and to contribute to promoting understanding and respect between different cultures.

Learn more about school twinning

Source: tio.ch