How 152 Salesian Schools Are Using AI to Transform Student Potential

Last updated: March 10, 2026

If you’ve watched education technology evolve over the past decade, you’ve likely felt both excitement and apprehension about artificial intelligence in the classroom. You’re not alone in wondering: can AI truly support student development, or does it risk reducing learning to algorithms?

The Salesian Network in Italy has spent years wrestling with exactly this question—and they’re now sharing their answer at the world’s largest education innovation fair.

TL;DR

The Salesian Network in Italy—one of the nation's largest educational networks—presented their AI integration program at Didacta 2026 in Florence.
The GO Beyond project involves 80 schools and vocational centres using AI while maintaining relationship-centered pedagogy.
Key leaders frame AI as "part of our mission" rather than just a technological tool, prioritizing human connection alongside innovation.
The network serves over 51,000 students across 152 schools and 64 vocational training centres in Italy.
This balanced approach offers a potential model for other institutions navigating how to integrate AI without losing educational values.

Salesians Take Centre Stage at Didacta 2026

The Salesian Network in Italy—one of the country’s largest educational networks with 152 schools and 64 vocational training centres—confirmed their presence at Didacta Italia 2026, the most important global event for education, training, and innovation in schooling. The three-day fair runs from March 11-13 at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

During the event, the Salesian Network will present experiences that combine cutting-edge technology with their century-old pedagogical tradition. The central showcase is the ‘GO Beyond’ project, demonstrating how Artificial Intelligence can be integrated without compromising their educational identity—built on the centrality of the person, authentic relationships, and essential activities outside the classroom such as the playground and oratory.

One of Italy's largest school networks is integrating AI while keeping student relationships at the centre. Here's what that looks like → Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

AI as Mission, Not Just Technology

The approach represents a fundamental philosophical stance. As Fr Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians, explained: “AI is not just a tool: it is part of our mission as Salesians living in the digital age.” This perspective positions technology as an extension of educational mission rather than a replacement for human connection.

The network currently serves approximately 23,900 students across their 152 schools in 15 regions, with 2,815 teachers, and an additional 27,829 students in their 64 vocational training centres across 17 regions, supported by roughly 1,650 educators. The GO Beyond project involves 80 of these schools and vocational training centres integrating AI into daily teaching and laboratories.

Author Quote "

Quote: AI is not just a tool: it is part of our mission as Salesians living in the digital age. Attribution: Fr Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation

Not applicable - no significant bias identified

Balancing Innovation with Human Connection

Fr Elio Cesari, director of the National Centre for Salesian Works, framed the participation as an opportunity to “share an educational model that is rooted in the Salesian tradition and aims at innovation, while keeping the values of the person at the centre.” This reflects a growing recognition in education: technology serves students best when it enhances rather than replaces human relationship.

Key events during the fair include “Go beyond traditional education” on March 11 (12:30-14:30), featuring Google Italia and MR*Digital as technology partners, and the Pontifical Salesian University providing research support. On March 13, “Innovation that includes” will focus on energy transition, industrial automation 4.0, and social inclusion—particularly for young people seeking a second chance.

Key Takeaways:

Large-scale implementation: 80 Salesian schools and vocational training centres are integrating AI into daily teaching and laboratories, representing one of the largest faith-based education networks embracing this technology.

Values-centered approach: The network explicitly grounds AI integration in their pedagogical tradition, maintaining the centrality of relationships and personal development alongside technological innovation.

Model for replication: Results from this comprehensive implementation will provide evidence for whether balanced, values-driven AI integration can deliver meaningful educational outcomes.

What This Means for the Future of Education

The Salesian approach offers a counter-narrative to fears that AI will depersonalize education. Instead, they’re demonstrating how technology can amplify human connection when grounded in clear educational values. Their framework prioritizes relationship-centered pedagogy even as students engage with Industry 4.0 technologies and AI tools.

For parents and educators watching the AI debate unfold, this model suggests a third path: neither wholesale embrace of technology nor fearful rejection, but intentional integration that keeps student development at the centre. The results from 80 schools and vocational centres will provide real-world evidence about whether this balanced approach delivers on its promise.

Author Quote "

Quote: Participation in Didacta is an opportunity to share an educational model that is rooted in the Salesian tradition and aims at innovation, while keeping the values of the person at the centre. Attribution: Fr Elio Cesari, Director, National Centre for Salesian Works

Here’s what matters most: this isn’t about choosing between tradition and innovation. The Salesian model demonstrates that when technology serves a clear educational mission, students benefit from both cutting-edge tools and the human relationships that have always been at the heart of great education.

For parents and educators, the lesson is clear—you don’t have to accept the false choice between preparing students for a technological future and preserving the relationship-centered approaches that help them thrive. Both are possible when technology serves students rather than dictating educational priorities.

If you’re navigating how to think about AI and education in your own family or institution, the Learning Success approach offers frameworks for evaluating technology through the lens of student development rather than novelty alone. The free trial includes a personalized Action Plan—and you keep that plan even if you decide it’s not the right fit.