Escuela Barbiana - 1 de 6

The Story of Barbiana

Introduction to Barbiana

• Barbiana is described as a small, remote village with only four houses and a church, facing closure due to depopulation.

• The archdiocese of Florence decided to send a priest, Don Milani, to manage the parish as a solution for its dwindling population.

Arrival of Don Milani

• Upon arriving at the train station, Don Milani requested transportation to Barbiana but initially declined assistance with his luggage.

• He quickly made an impression in his previous parish by establishing a night school and recognized the need for education among local children.

Establishing Education

• Don Milani persuaded parents about the importance of education, leading them to enroll their children in school instead of sending them to work.

• He visited families personally to advocate for children's education and established a technical vocational school that later expanded its curriculum.

Unique School Environment

• The school was unconventional; classes were held outdoors or in the presbytery without traditional desks or blackboards.

• Enrollment grew rapidly from six students to over twenty as word spread about the school's reputation; there were no failures among students.

Challenges Faced by Students

• Many children from neighboring villages attended after struggling in state schools; one student had repeated several grades before joining Barbiana.

• A student shared their experience transitioning from primary education into secondary schooling, highlighting challenges faced due to inadequate preparation.

Personal Journey and Commitment

• The narrator recounts moving from southern Italy to Tuscany after losing their father and being sent to Barbiana due to financial constraints at home.

• Descriptions of the journey highlight how accessible it was despite initial difficulties; walking through nature became part of daily life.

Resilience and Dedication

• Students would attend school even during harsh weather conditions like snow, showcasing their commitment despite physical challenges.

• One student recalls clearing paths through snow for easier access on bicycles, demonstrating determination and resourcefulness.

Educational Philosophy

• On one occasion, Don Milani visited the narrator's home on a Saturday afternoon discussing enrollment plans for Monday despite initial reluctance from the family.

• The educational approach emphasized studying rigorously throughout the week without breaks or holidays due to cultural lag in rural areas.