The kick-off party of the Italian Embassy School of Beijing was held this past Sunday, September 6 at its new location in the Sanlitun DRC. The event was attended by many from Beijing’s Italian community including Ambassador of Italy to the PRC Ettore Francesco Sequi, Chairman of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce Franco Cutrupia, as well as Chinese authorities. Greetings were addressed by the mayor of Reggio Emilia, Luca Vecchi, and President of Reggio Children, Carla Rinaldi. It is the first Italian school in China as well as in Eastern Asia.
The Italian Embassy School of Beijing aims to give Italian families living in China a chance to provide their children with a cultural and ethical background rooted in Italy and Europe. Additionally, the school is another educational option for the growing number of mixed couples in Beijing. Established jointly with Reggio Children, the school will follow the Reggio Emilia approach, a renowned educational philosophy with roots in Italy. Judging by the crowd on opening day, the school has already garnered the interest of many prospective parents.
School officially began Monday and while they currently offer just two classes at this time: one mixed-age class (preschool and kindergarten) and a Grade 1 class, they expect to grow in enrollment next year with the addition of a Grade 2 class. The Italian Embassy School accepts children of Italian families and of diplomatic officials residing in China. Classes are bilingual (Italian and English), with a strong focus on Chinese culture.
The project was endorsed by the Italian Embassy, coordinated by Mariassunta Peci, funded by an Italian businessman living in China, and supported by the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce. Projects for the opening of other Italian Embassy Schools have similarly started in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. See contact details below.
Italian Embassy School of Beijing
Address: SB03-1-011, Sanlitun DRC, 1 Gong Ti North Road, Chaoyang District
Tel.: 8532 2334
Email: scuola.pechino@gmail.com
Photos: Courtesy of the Italian Embassy School of Beijing
