(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
Modern education and the upbringing of the younger generation
are very important factors for the formation of a successful
society and country. The task of the school is to provide every
student with ample opportunities to choose their path, instill
humanistic values, develop their thinking and emotional perception
of reality, help to develop a holistic view of the world, and to
create a citizen. Such tasks are at the heart of The European
Azerbaijan School (EAS, European-Azerbaijani School).
We present to Trend readers an interview with the Executive
Director of the European Azerbaijan School, an Italian citizen,
Francesco Banchini, who, over the course of five years of working
in Azerbaijan, has not only made a significant personal
contribution to the development of education but has also fallen in
love with our country with all his heart, so much so that he
considers it his second homeland. He is a very good-natured and
cultured person who leaves the most favourable impressions on all
those he meets.
He is the chairman of the Caucasus and Central Asia Association
of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS), which includes international
schools from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and
Kyrgyzstan, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Council
of International Schools (CIS). For success in the educational
sphere of Azerbaijan, he has received several national awards,
including“Yılın Starları Ödülleri İstanbul”,“Best of the City”,
“Altın Zirve”, etc.
Francesco Banchini is an intriguing personality, who was born
into a poor family in Pozzuoli and achieved everything in his life
through his own hard work, step by step moving towards his goals.
Pozzuoli is an ancient city that was founded around 531/520. BC e.
and bore the name Dikearchia, which means - the city of justice.
This port city is located about ten kilometres west of Naples, on
the shores of the bay of the same name in the Gulf of Naples. In
194 BC. e. the city was renamed Puteoli, and later Pozzuoli. The
city has many ancient sights. Due to seismic activity, a portion of
this historic city currently lays underwater and is being explored
by marine archaeologists.
Francesco Banchini's life began with music. Having mastered many
wind instruments, especially the clarinet, he was destined for a
brilliant musical career, but instead he dedicated himself to the
educational field.
'From childhood, I had a great craving for musical art. At
the age of 14, I began to study at the San Pietro a Maiella
Conservatory in Naples. And at the age of 17, I created my own
trio, and then the G.O.R. team, with which I performed for about
ten years in various European cities, performing folk music with
roots in medieval, Italian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern
traditions. I composed music, released several albums, and created
music for three films, among other projects. I also played as a
guest musician with several groups. I performed with the La Scala
Philharmonic Orchestra, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the
BBC Symphony Orchestra. I also engaged in teaching activities
following my graduation from the University in Rome and the
University in Naples. During my studies, I worked in various fields
to pay the tuition fees, as my family did not have the opportunity
to support me financially,' Francesco Banchini, began the
conversation.
Francesco Banchini undertook research in 2010 in the field of
modern education, which centred on improving traditional methods,
and motivating and developing the creative abilities of both
students and teachers. This research attracted great interest in
the educational community of New York University and Drew
University in New Jersey, and was presented at conferences of the
International Society of Musical Education (ISME) in Scotland and
the European Committee for Interoperability (ECIS) in Italy. By the
will of fate, Francesco Banchini ended up in Azerbaijan.
'The name of my hometown of Pozzuoli is associated with the
nearby Solfatara volcano on the Phlegrean Fields, which in Italian
means 'Fields of Fire', and Azerbaijan is called the Land of Fire.
Naples and Baku are sister cities, and Italians and Azerbaijanis
are very similar in character and honour family traditions. To be
honest, in recent years I feel more like an Azerbaijani than an
Italian. I am sincerely in love with Azerbaijan and consider it my
second homeland. I remember that in the first days in Baku I lost
my mother and unfortunately could not return to Italy at this time.
But how the teachers supported me here - I will never forget it!
Then I felt the special warmth of the Azerbaijani people! Years
have passed and I see that Italy and Azerbaijan have a lot in
common, the difference is only in the language. I have always felt
at home here. Being abroad, at various conferences and events, I
always tell my colleagues and friends about this beautiful country,
its culture and traditions, friendliness and hospitality. I advise
everyone to visit Azerbaijan. I even show and teach them the
national dance 'Yalli'. And wherever I am, I always miss
Azerbaijan. This is true and comes from a pure heart and
soul!
Before coming to Azerbaijan, I worked in Switzerland. I
already knew something about Azerbaijan and its culture, but was
keen to discover more. From the beginning, I liked the performance
of Brilliant Dadashova's 'Bayatilar', after which I began to study
Azerbaijani music, mugham and folk songs, and fell in love with
your art. At this time, I headed the school's art department,
taught music, then was appointed coordinator of the PYP and IB
programmes. Following these roles, I was promoted to become the
Deputy Director, and have been the Director and CEO for the last
four years. I have participated in many international projects,
presented speeches and articles on modern education and leadership,
and published several books and manuals. And today, I feel the same
as I always have: I get a great deal of positive energy when I see
smiles on the faces of schoolchildren and teachers. I do what I do
with the aim of strengthening education in Azerbaijan: introducing
innovations, paying special attention to the issues of revealing
and developing the creative abilities of students, encouraging
effective teamwork, and making independent decisions. We prepare
youngsters to be productive members of our global society whilst
also upholding Azerbaijan's national values, traditions, and
culture. We intend to develop a new educational model for
Azerbaijan's future that matches high international standards. 'We
place a high priority on the formation and development of each
child's personality, their creative talents, research skills,
critical thinking, analytical skills,' stated Francesco
Banchini.
The European-Azerbaijani School, founded in 2011, is an
international private school recognized by the Ministry of Science
and Education of Azerbaijan, a member of the Council of
International Schools (CIS), an organization providing quality
international education.
The EAS educational programme is a balanced programme that
includes both the requirements of the national curriculum and those
of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, offering three
IB Programmes (The Primary Years Programme, The Middle Years
Programme and The Diploma Programme). The school operates in two
modern buildings equipped with cutting-edge technology. The school
has Olympic-standard sports complexes, laboratories for scientific
research, excellent information technology facilities, libraries,
and a large congress hall. EAS graduates with high scores are
admitted to a variety of high-ranking universities around the
world.
'From the first days of working here, I tried to change the
mindset of those around me, to direct them in the right direction
in accordance with the requirements of the modern educational
system, and I gathered a team around me to strive towards our
shared goal. All of us - teachers, administrative staff, students
and their parents are like one family, and all our efforts are
aimed towards the benefit of the younger generation, the
implementation of their ideas in life, and their ability to pursue
a successful career. The eleven years spent at our school should be
remembered with the brightest emotions and the highest level of
education. We give school children not only knowledge, but also
teach life skills so that they can apply them in any situations and
solve problems that arise in the age of globalization. Therefore,
the International Baccalaureate (IB) is necessary, being an
educational programme through the framework of which graduates
receive not only the knowledge and skills necessary for admission
to the best universities in the world, but also master the skills
that allow them to develop and improve themselves throughout their
lives. Successful implementation of this programme yields tangible
results, as proven by statements from our students studying in the
United States, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and other
countries. This programme also shows that each of us, regardless of
ethnicity or religion, are equal and global citizens; we must think
about the next generation, educate and create,' said Francesco
Banchini.
He also founded and leads the Caucasus and Central Asia
Association of IB World Schools, which includes schools in
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
'Teachers and students from different countries should be in
close contact, support each other, and exchange experiences.
Therefore, the creation of such an association is very important
for successful interaction, cooperation and further development of
the education of countries. Moreover, as part of the activities of
the Association, we want to create an accreditation council that
will help all schools in Azerbaijan and other countries to
introduce modern education. I enjoy my job and am thrilled when I
can make a positive difference to the lives of children and
teachers, fulfilling my dreams of seeing everyone succeed in their
professional and personal lives. For me, this is very valuable! At
the same time, professionalism in the educational field, the
well-being of teachers and charity events, and the implementation
of projects with the Ministry of Science and Education, and other
schools in the country, remain a priority in our activities. In
particular, I would like to mention the project 'Seeds of Light'
supported by the Ministry of Education and Science, which is being
implemented and will continue in the regions of Azerbaijan. It has
already has a positive impact in schools in Barda and Aghdam
regions. In this manner, we think not only about our schools, but
also about students from other educational institutions in the
country. A crucial component to our approach is our Leadership
School programme for teachers throughout the republic.'
The second international IB conference of the Caucasus and
Central Asia Association of IB World Schools will be held in
December at the European Azerbaijan School.
'The first IB conference was extremely successful with the
participation of about five hundred local and foreign experts. This
was not only a great experience for us, but also an opportunity to
show the world the level of development of education in Azerbaijan.
It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange experiences in the field
of education. This year, more than 500 guests, including heads of
various international schools, and representatives from various
ministries of education and educational organisations, are expected
to attend the second conference. Teachers and school employees will
attend training and seminars. Our main goal is to improve the
educational system and find ways to solve various problems caused
by modern requirements. By making various contributions at the
international and local levels, we want to share our experience
with teachers and students, and present methods for improving the
educational experience for all. Only by working together can we
change the world of education for the better, harness the potential
of each student, and put ideas into action for the benefit of the
country and the whole world,' added Francesco Banchini.
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