Toscolano Maderno Celebrates Labor and Education at 14th Marchi Contest
At Toscolano Maderno, the first of May is a celebration that merges the worlds of labor and education. For the 14th consecutive year, the «Marchi» competition (named after the Vicentine family that owns the paper mill, the largest factory on Brescia’s shore of Lake Garda) was held, organized by the Associazione lavoratori anziani (Association of Senior Workers), led by Giorgio Bombardieri, who is also the president of the retirement home.
Middle school students were invited to write essays on specific topics, and a panel of judges selected the best ones, class by class. On Tuesday, the award ceremony took place, with the band, factory owners, union representatives, local authorities, teachers, parents, and poet Bruno Tedeschi in attendance.
«Although it appears similar to previous editions, the contest has been renewed in substance,» explained Antonio Foglio, vice principal of the Middle Schools. «Initially, students met twice with the senior workers of the paper mill. Afterwards, in small groups accompanied by staff, they visited the departments.»
«We essentially carried out a sort of educational workshop to learn about our history and look at future prospects,» he added. Mayor Paolo Elena remarked, «For us, the first of May symbolizes awareness and cultural growth. Toscolano Maderno is not only about tourism and tertiary industry but also has a strong industrial tradition.»
The paper sector offers job opportunities that can significantly improve professional development. «As the Amministrazione comunale (Municipal Administration), we have promoted discussions around the museum, the valley of the paper mills, and the consortium for establishing courses aligned with regional needs,» the mayor stated. Ezio Andreoli, from the factory council, commented, «We feel the need to re-emphasize the social value of work, which must be enhanced through qualitative improvements.»
After noting that Toscolano’s paper mill has experienced «continuous and progressive technological improvement,» Andreoli invited CEO Girolamo Marchi to adopt a conciliatory stance during negotiations for the renewal of the national industry agreement.
«Our relations have always been based on good cooperation—sometimes tough but always honest and peaceful—a style that sets us apart from other sectors. We hope to reach an agreement by the beginning of summer,» Marchi replied, then focusing on initiatives designed by Assocarta for schools.
Initiatives for schools and products of the paper mill
Two initiatives in particular: a card-based book aimed at teachers, discussing foresting, production, and sales; and a kit containing detailed explanations of all the types of paper students encountered during a day—from hygienic paper to kitchen roll, from cookie tins to milk containers, from bus tickets to posters, magazines to newspapers and notebooks, from books to folders, up to supermarket boxes and special papers for engine gasket seals and air filters.
Already, a thousand copies of the kit have been distributed. The conclusion was entrusted to Franco Sanesi. The general manager of the Marchi group delivered an appreciated lesson on behavior and life philosophy.