Vimercate’s middle schools embrace digital innovation thanks to The Timken Foundation

Three middle schools in Vimercate have been equipped with advanced digital tools and technology thanks to a grant from The Timken Foundation.

Thanks to a grant of $100,000, three schools in Vimercate have been equipped with advanced digital tools and technologies designed to enhance the students’ learning experience.

The initiative forms part of the Future-Ready Schools project, which aims to transform schools in Vimercate into innovative and inclusive learning environments, capable of addressing the educational challenges of the future. Central to the project is a learning by doing approach, which encourages learning through experimentation, in spaces designed to foster creativity, collaboration and active participation.

Thanks to funding provided by The Timken Foundation, significant improvements have been made at the city’s three middle schools, Calvino, Manzoni and Saltini. The upgrades include modern furniture, multimedia systems and digital teaching equipment, as well as soundproofing measures to improve comfort and the overall quality of the school experience.

The Foundation, which is separate and independent of The Timken Company, supports communities where the company has operations. This includes the Rollon location in Vimercate, whose leaders recommended the project to the Foundation.

“The Foundation’s support gives us the opportunity to give back to the community that welcomes us every day through tangible projects”, explains Stefano Zecchinato, Managing Director Italy at Rollon. “This commitment shows how philanthropic support can translate into opportunities for social, educational and regional development, strengthening a genuine and lasting bond with the people and the environment in which we operate.”

“I greatly appreciate this project, which equips our middle schools with state-of-the-art technology, essential for modern, up-to-date teaching,” says Francesco Cereda, Mayor of Vimercate. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to The Timken Foundation and Rollon for their vital contribution and for the attention they have shown to our local area. This initiative is a clear example of the value of public–private collaboration: by working together and sharing common goals, we can provide our students with innovative tools to grow, experiment and be fully prepared for future challenges.”

“This project builds on the commitment we are making to ensure our schools have the equipment they need to support teaching,” says Riccardo Corti, member of the local council. “It represents a tangible investment in our students’ development. We sincerely thank Rollon and The Timken Foundation for their valuable contribution.”

Projects supported by The Timken Foundation through Rollon

For several years, The Timken Foundation, with volunteer support from Rollon, has been enabling initiatives that benefit the local communities where the Timken Group’s production facilities are based.

The first project dates back to 2021 and involved the refurbishment of a playground in Arcore, adapted for children with physical disabilities. In 2022, an ambulance was purchased for the AVPS association in Vimercate, equipped with an on-board sanitisation system that significantly reduces vehicle downtime. In 2023, a tensile structure was built at the A Tutto Sport park in Vimercate, enabling year-round use of the basketball court. A mobile unit was also installed on the Vimercate fire brigade’s emergency vehicles for deployment in severe road accidents.

In 2024, three projects were funded: the construction of a greenhouse and veranda for the association Gruppo Familiari Corte Crivelli, the purchase of a minibus for transporting people with disabilities for Cooperativa Iride, and the installation of sound-absorbing panels at TeatrOreno.

Further investments are planned for this year, confirming The Timken Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting social, cultural and sporting initiatives.