(ANS – Florence) – The Salesians in Italy confirm their presence at the most important event on education, formation, and innovation in the world of schooling, the “Didacta Italia” Fair, which this year will be held from March 11–13, 2026, at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

During the three days of the event, the Salesian Network will present experiences that combine cutting-edge technology with pedagogical tradition, demonstrating how the two can enrich one another. The “GO Beyond” project will show how Artificial Intelligence can be integrated without compromising the Salesian educational identity, which is based on the centrality of the person, authentic relationships, and essential activities outside the classroom, such as the playground and the oratory.

“Participation in Didacta is an opportunity to share an educational model rooted in the Salesian tradition that aims for innovation while keeping the values of the person at the center,” explained Fr. Elio Cesari, Director of the National Center for Salesian Works. This approach is well summarized in the words of Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major: “AI is not just a tool; it is part of our mission as Salesians living in the digital age.”

The Main Events: “Go Beyond” and “Innovation that Includes”

The 2026 program offers important opportunities to reflect on how innovation is transforming education.

On March 11 (12:30–2:30 PM, Polveriera E14 Room), the central event “Go Beyond Traditional Education” will take place, presenting the concrete experience of 80 Salesian schools and vocational training centers that are integrating Artificial Intelligence into daily teaching and laboratory work.

Participants in the meeting will include Google Italia y MR*Digital, the project’s technology partners; the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), responsible for research and academic support for the project; and Damiano Previtali, President of the Higher Council of Education, who will deliver the closing remarks.

On March 13 (11:30 AM–1:20 PM, Stand J16, Aula Magna MR*Digital), the event “Innovation that Includes” will take place, organized in collaboration with Schneider Electric y Google. The meeting will focus on the integration of the energy transition, Industrial Automation 4.0y social inclusion, with particular attention to young people who need a second chance. The program will also include a practical demonstration of itinerant teaching with students and a discussion on the application of AI in the workplace.

In addition, a rich program of workshops will be held at Stand W67 in the Spadolini Pavilion, on the top floor, where students from the Salesian educational network will present projects on active learning, inclusion, and the development of strategic skills, tested and implemented in classrooms and laboratories.

The Numbers of the Salesian Network for Vocational Training and Schools

Currently, the Salesian network in Italy includes 152 schools across 15 regions, educating approximately 23,900 students every day, thanks to the commitment of 2,815 teachers.

In addition to these schools, there are 64 Vocational Training Centers (CFP) in 17 regions, serving a total of 27,829 students, supported by approximately 1,650 educators.