There is a lot going on in Florence right now.
One of the major things happening in Italy is the manifesto.
A law was passed…is being passed…? [I’m not quite clear on the details…I hear a different story from every student it seems] Anyway, this law is for the privatization of all schools in Italy. This deeply affects the students – for many reasons. Students will now have to pay substantially more to attend university than they are currently paying, making it impossible for many students to finish and/or begin university at all. Also, according to many of the students, the public education they are currently getting is far better than a private education [in Italy] would be.
This is a very basic explanation of the law - the consequences are vast and international students of all ages, as well as Italian elementary, junior high, and high school students are affected by this law.
Because of the law the students are protesting, occupying, and striking. All over the city (and country…) school buildings have been occupied by students and banners have been hung in protest. The anarchy flag is flying at many locations and students walk around with megaphones crying out against their government.
I am both intrigued and saddened by what is happening in this city.
Intrigued yet again by the passion of the Italian people to protest so firmly for such a duration of time.
Saddened by what this means for the students.
Saddened, because it seems that this is yet another thing that has left them feeling completely hopeless.
My prayer is that in the midst of this crisis, in the midst of a corrupt government, that Italians would find hope. That God would use this thing that seems so bad as a means to point students toward Him.
I am heartbroken for these people when I think about how little hope they have in their world.
There is no American Dream.
Here, the government is corrupt and unable to be depended on for security.
The economy is unstable and finding a good job [even after 5-10 years of university] is highly unlikely – and highly political.
Relationships are unsteady – infidelity is rampant.
There is very little to hope here. Very little to depend on.
I am praying that these circumstances would not continue to harden their hearts, but rather that they would turn them toward a Beautiful Savior who offers an unconditional, everlasting hope.
One of the major things happening in Italy is the manifesto.
A law was passed…is being passed…? [I’m not quite clear on the details…I hear a different story from every student it seems] Anyway, this law is for the privatization of all schools in Italy. This deeply affects the students – for many reasons. Students will now have to pay substantially more to attend university than they are currently paying, making it impossible for many students to finish and/or begin university at all. Also, according to many of the students, the public education they are currently getting is far better than a private education [in Italy] would be.
This is a very basic explanation of the law - the consequences are vast and international students of all ages, as well as Italian elementary, junior high, and high school students are affected by this law.
Because of the law the students are protesting, occupying, and striking. All over the city (and country…) school buildings have been occupied by students and banners have been hung in protest. The anarchy flag is flying at many locations and students walk around with megaphones crying out against their government.
I am both intrigued and saddened by what is happening in this city.
Intrigued yet again by the passion of the Italian people to protest so firmly for such a duration of time.
Saddened by what this means for the students.
Saddened, because it seems that this is yet another thing that has left them feeling completely hopeless.
My prayer is that in the midst of this crisis, in the midst of a corrupt government, that Italians would find hope. That God would use this thing that seems so bad as a means to point students toward Him.
I am heartbroken for these people when I think about how little hope they have in their world.
There is no American Dream.
Here, the government is corrupt and unable to be depended on for security.
The economy is unstable and finding a good job [even after 5-10 years of university] is highly unlikely – and highly political.
Relationships are unsteady – infidelity is rampant.
There is very little to hope here. Very little to depend on.
I am praying that these circumstances would not continue to harden their hearts, but rather that they would turn them toward a Beautiful Savior who offers an unconditional, everlasting hope.
Photo Credit: Henry Dawson
