Il maestro Alberto Manzi : an advocate of the development of literacy in Italy and of popularization of education

Abstract

Alberto Manzi (1924–1997) was an Italian educator and TV personality who is mainly remembered for a television program, Non è mai troppo tardi (It’s never too late), designed to promote literacy among adults. Manzi also authored a number of literary works, most of which had educational goals. He remains an influential figure in the history of Italian education, celebrated for his dedication to rendering learning accessible to a wider audience through innovative means. In this paper I discuss Manzi’s contribution to education, contextualizing his work in the historical period in which it was carried out. I also hint briefly at his legacy and its relevance to the Maltese teacher education context.