Webinar “WOMEN, EDUCATION, THE FUTURE IN EUROPE” On 15 November, the closing webinar entitled ‘WOMEN, EDUCATION, FUTURE IN EUROPE’ , brought to an end a series of four meetings that allowed us to explore the reality of women and education first in Asia, then in Africa, and then in Latin America. Each time, journalists and doctors who are experts in social concerns and the continents introduced us to the topic: Alessandra Di Poli, Anna Pozzi, Laura Stopponi, and this time Martina Vitalone. Each of them was joined by nuns or friends who spoke about the work of the Sisters of Charity in favour of young women in those contexts: Lia Beltrami, director and documentary filmmaker for Asia; Lorenza Vallarino, a twenty-year volunteer for Africa with a focus on Cameroon; Sr Monica Binda for Argentina; and finally Sr Valentina Dissimile with an insight into university student residences in Italy.

After an in-depth and well-documented presentation of the topic, which ranged from a study of EUROSTAT statistics on the educational and employment situation of women in Europe to recognition of the role of women in society and the conclusion that the more educated they are, the better, Martina Vitalone concluded her speech with a testimony that we report here, a sign of the strength, perseverance, vigilance and determination of a young woman. My name is Lara, and my passion is sport. Thanks to my dad, I discovered basketball, and it was love at first sight. At just 14 years old, I was one of the most talented players in Italy and was chosen to play for one of the most prestigious teams. At 16, my obsession was to turn basketball into my job, until I encountered my first major obstacle: a severe knee injury forced me to miss nine months of play. My dreams apparently had been shattered, and the trauma of the injury and the doubtful expressions of others concerning my recovery were the first signs that I began to question whether this was the right path for me. I played for several teams in Italy before returning to where I started with fresh enthusiasm and renewed passion. I completed my degree in international sciences and, pursuing my passion for cooperation, I started a master’s degree. Then came yet another injury, a turning point and the tough but “realistic” decision to stop playing basketball and explore new avenues. I began studying Life Skills to understand how to transform sport into a tool capable of empowering the fundamental transferable skills needed for everyday life.

This journey took me to Africa, to a shanty town in Nairobi, together with a voluntary organisation that helps children and young people in economically and socially deprived areas of Africa by setting up educational and sports projects. Today, I am the Project Manager of a non-profit organisation that helps socially and economically disadvantaged minors through the great power of sport. I also work on developing projects with various Italian organisations to respond to some of the most urgent social needs through sport. Sr Valentina Dissimile, responding to questions from Antonella Salvatore, recounted her experience with the girls in the boarding schools with vivacity and passion. After describing the delicate nature of these services, she concluded with a beautiful image that was also echoed in the participants’ comments..I would like to conclude with an image: A GARDEN. Every girl is like a different flower: some bloom early, others slowly; some need a lot of water, others need sun; some grow strongly, others are fragile but bright. Our task, as Sisters of Charity, is to prepare the soil, remove a few stones, provide support when needed, and above all, accompany the blooming. In the boarding schools, I have seen strong, generous, discerning women flourish, capable of facing the future. And I am certain that the future of Europe will also depend on these young women: listened to, embraced, accompanied with love because truly: THERE IS Splendour IN EVERYTHING.