Italian
The Carlo Alessandro Ronchi Memorial College, founded by Anna Maria Tarantola in memory of her late husband, represents a beacon of hope for the children of the Diocese of Makurdi, in Nigeria. A project that combines education, peace, and solidarity, with a special focus on girls and the local community.
MILAN. In a small village in the diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria, a school is growing that represents hope, education, and future. Its founder, Anna Maria Tarantola, a banker, public manager, and social activist, passionately tells us about the genesis and realization of a unique project: the Carlo Alessandro Ronchi Memorial College.
How did the Carlo Alessandro Ronchi Memorial College project come about?
The school was born from the desire to offer a concrete educational opportunity to children who, otherwise, would never have had access to education. Years ago, I was struck by a documentary shown by Don Genda Joseph Pilla during one of the lessons of the Course in Social Doctrine of the Church organized in Rome by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation, which showed some children from Nigerian villages studying under trees because there were no schools in their areas. In some of these areas, during the favorable season, teachers went to the villages and taught under the shade of large trees, but when the season changed and the weather conditions no longer allowed them to stay outdoors, the lessons did not continue. This model of “itinerant school” inspired me to want to do something concrete for these children and their education. I thus decided to honor the memory of my husband, Carlo Alessandro Ronchi, who deeply believed in the importance of education, by fully financing the construction of a school in an area that lacked one.
What challenges did you face during the project?
I first got in touch with Don Pilla, who had in the meantime returned to Nigeria, to identify an area where it would be useful to build the school and asked him to prepare a project. I then contacted the Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi, His Excellency Mons. Wilfred Anagbe, and the then Apostolic Nuncio in Nigeria, His Excellency Mons. Antonio Filipazzi, with whom a fruitful collaboration was established. The project was quickly presented and work started under the careful supervision of Don Pilla. The collaboration was excellent, and we managed to complete the entire project without bureaucratic formalities, but with the responsibility of people committed to achieving a concrete goal. I am very happy that everything has been successfully realized without any hitches.
The biggest challenge was to start a school in an area without any kind of infrastructure. Collaborating with the Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi and with the Apostolic Nuncio was crucial to overcome every obstacle. I organized the funding in three phases: the project’s start, the continuation of the work, and its completion. Fortunately, everything was completed on schedule and without additional costs. The school has been fully operational in DAUDU in the state of Benue since September 2024. However, we still need to build a well for water, as there is no water in the area, and the children have to bring it from home when available. I have started a fundraising campaign among my friends, and I hope that we can soon begin the construction of the well.
What are the main values of the school?
Two aspects have been essential for me: conveying the values of respect for all people and the environment and equality, which is why I insisted on dedicating particular attention to girls, facilitating their school attendance. I asked for a significant number of girls to have access to education, overcoming cultural and social barriers. It was my wish for the school to be named after my husband Carlo Alessandro Ronchi, without any variations, to honor Carlo’s memory.
How is the school financially supported?
The school is funded by the Diocese to which I donated it and with a very modest fee that is paid by families who can afford it. I have decided to fund scholarships for six children (three boys and three girls) that cover both the cost of teachers and school supplies, such as books and uniforms. A Board of Directors has been established, chaired by the Bishop, and I am a member. The financial management is entrusted to the diocese, which ensures transparency and targeted use of the funds. Furthermore, I invite anyone who wants to contribute to contact the Diocese of Makurdi directly to support additional scholarships.
Are there any future plans for the community?
In addition to the school, Bishop S.E is working on establishing a basic medical facility for the area, as health is equally crucial for the development of a community. Initially, it will be managed by nurses and doctors, with a particular focus on pregnant women and children. There are also plans to expand the services in the future. This area has historically been heavily affected by conflicts between Muslim and Catholic communities, and building a school and a medical facility represents a crucial tool for strengthening the community and promoting peace among different groups. The schools are also open to Muslim children, without exclusions.
What are your feelings now that school is a reality?
It is an immense joy to see children attending school, studying, and dreaming of a better future. This project is a tribute to Carlo’s generous heart and his vision of the world. Seeing something that he would have loved so much come to life fills me with pride. The school is a living hope for this community and its future.
If anyone wishes to contribute to funding scholarships for children, they can do so by making a bank transfer to the diocese of Makurdi. It is necessary to contact the diocese (first) to obtain all the necessary information. The responsibility for the project remains with the local Church, which will manage the funds and activities in a transparent and targeted manner. (IBAN GB87CITI18500808663076, beneficiary: Diocese of Makurdi)
Anna Maria Tarantola, born in Casalpusterlengo on February 3, 1945, is a prominent figure in the Italian banking and public sphere. She graduated in Economics and Business from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan in 1969, and then continued her studies at the London School of Economics. Her career at the Bank of Italy began in 1971 and progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, eventually becoming deputy director general. She also served as president of Rai from 2012 to 2015 and held significant roles internationally, including the presidency of the Pontifical Foundation Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, which is committed to promoting social and development projects.
In her professional career, Anna Maria Tarantola has always emphasized the importance of gender equality, stating that women should not have to choose between their careers and families. Her commitment to advocating for women is also reflected in her activism to ensure access to education, as demonstrated by the Carlo Alessandro Ronchi Memorial College project in Nigeria. This project, in addition to addressing a serious educational deficiency, also serves as a symbol of peace and integration for the community. The school was established in memory of her late husband Carlo Alessandro Ronchi, who passed away in 2023, to celebrate his dedication to education and his love for humanity.
