In the year 2022, a total of 465,000 students in Italy dropped out of school, accounting for 11.5% of the population aged between 18-24 years. This alarming rate, documented by the Cgia di Mestre, includes students with at most a middle school diploma, who have not completed a vocational training course recognized by the region lasting more than 2 years, and who are not attending school or other educational activities. Compared to the rest of the Eurozone, where the average dropout rate is 9.7%, Italy ranks third in school dropout rates among young people aged 18-24. Moreover, the year also saw 55,500 individuals leaving Italy to relocate abroad, highlighting a significant brain drain issue in the country.
The dispersion of students from the education system is primarily driven by cultural, social, and economic factors. Students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and families with low educational levels are more likely to abandon school before completing their studies and obtaining at least a high school diploma. This trend, if not addressed effectively, could lead to a general impoverishment of the country’s education system. The Cgia di Mestre underlines the importance of directing more resources towards the valuable inclusive work carried out by Vocational Education and Training Institutes (IeFP). These institutions have become a crucial support for foreign students, those with disabilities, and students who have previously experienced academic failures, particularly in areas marked by urban and social degradation.
Despite the severity of the issue, the social and economic implications of school dropout rates in Italy are not yet widely recognized. However, the significant emigration of young people to other countries underscores the urgent need to address these challenges. The departure of skilled individuals abroad poses a threat to Italy’s ability to fill roles in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with qualified personnel. While dropout rates are declining across Europe, Italy’s persistently high rates emphasize the need for targeted interventions to retain and support students in the school system.
Italy faces two major challenges in the field of education compared to other European Union countries: a low number of high school and college graduates, especially in scientific disciplines, and a high level of educational poverty that correlates with economic hardship. Failure to address these issues promptly could result in a further decline in the country’s overall competitiveness. The situation is particularly critical in Southern Italy, where the school dropout rates are highest. In regions like Campania, Puglia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Sardinia, there is a significant disparity between school dropout rates and the emigration of skilled workers, with the former far surpassing the latter.
Efforts to combat the high school dropout rates in Italy should focus on fostering a supportive educational environment that caters to the diverse needs of students, especially those facing socio-economic challenges. Investing in vocational training institutes and providing targeted support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds can help reduce dropout rates and improve educational outcomes. Addressing the root causes of school abandonment, such as poverty, lack of access to quality education, and social inequalities, is essential to ensure the future success and well-being of young people in Italy. Through collaborative efforts between policymakers, educators, and communities, it is possible to create a more inclusive and equitable education system that empowers all students to reach their full potential.
