When generations meet to celebrate Italian Republic Day

A morning of music, dancing, food and language that brought two generations together in the most beautiful way.

There are some moments that remind us exactly why we do what we do – and the recent visit of Kelvin Grove State College students to one of Co.As.It. Community Services’ Social Group Activity centres – Casa Serena was one of them.

Jointly organised by Co.As.It. and ILC, this special visit coincided with Italian Republic Day celebrations, making it a truly meaningful occasion for everyone involved. Students and clients came together to honour Italian culture in the most joyful way imaginable – through music, dancing, food and the warmth of shared stories.

A Morning to Remember

The day began with a delicious antipasto morning tea – a perfect way to set the scene for an authentic Italian experience. From there, the energy only grew, with a lively sing-along of Italian classics, including the ever-beloved Marina, filling the room with smiles and memories.

Staff dressed in folk costume then joined the students for dancing – a highlight that captured the spirit of the day beautifully. The fun continued with friendly games of tombola, cards and bocce, bridging the gap between generations through the universal language of play.

Throughout the morning, students also took the opportunity to practise their Italian language skills, engaging in genuine conversations with Co.As.It.’s clients and exploring the rich personal stories of lives shaped by Italian migration to Australia.

More Than a Visit – A Cultural Exchange

For Co.As.It.’s clients, it was a delightful and nostalgic day – a reminder of home, of heritage and of the enduring power of culture to connect us. For the students, it was an experience no classroom could replicate: authentic, meaningful and deeply human.

This kind of intergenerational exchange is at the heart of ILC’s Progetto community engagement work. Our Progetto team, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI – Ministero Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale), facilitates regular visits to Co.As.It. Social Group Activity centres, creating opportunities for cultural exchange that align with the Australian Curriculum for Languages and its focus on Italian migration to Australia.

Keeping Italian Alive in Queensland

Every activity, every visit, every conversation organised by ILC’s Progetto team carries the same spirit – to keep Italian language and culture vibrant, relevant and deeply loved across Queensland.

A heartfelt grazie to the students and staff of Kelvin Grove State College, the wonderful team at Co.As.It. and all the clients at Casa Serena who made this such a special day. Until next time – a presto!

Want to bring your students to an Italian cultural experience?

Visit our Supporting Italian in Schools page or submit an enquiry to find out more about our Progetto school immersion and community engagement programs!