ESC: Community Sparks - 2nd ed.

Oasi Giovani is a not-for-profit association operating in Savigliano (Cuneo, Italy) in the field of social assistance since 1997. It originates from the merger of three charities, the oldest of which was founded in 1636. Oasi Giovani's mission is to support kids and youth in their growth as well as to support families in the education of their children. Oasi Giovani reaches its aims by carrying out the following activities: - Two nursery schools, named Mignolo e Merlino, which can host up to 34 children aged 3 months to 3 years. - One crèche, named Marameo, which can host up to 25 children aged 13 months to 6 years. - One after-school service, which can host up to 150 children aged 6 to 16 years. This is not a simple after-school club where children are assisted in doing their homework, it is actually an educational centre. Indeed, once they have completed their homework for the day, the children are offered various ludic and educational activities supervised by professional educators. Special support for disabled children is provided. Furthermore, Oasi Giovani also offers a psychological help desk. All families can access this service despite their income: there are price ranges based on income brackets and the families in need can pay lower tariffs based on their economic possibilities. - Ocean project: this project addresses young people aged 14 to 18 years and offers manifold workshops whose aims are to enhance passions and hobbies of youth and to promote the encounter and socialization as well as participation and active citizenship. - One community center, which hosts parents who encountered difficulties in their family life and need support for some time. The community can host up to 12 mums or dads with their kids. The community is supervised 24/7 by professional educators. - One social housing service, which hosts parents who are undergoing a period of difficulty. This service can host up to 15 mums or dads: some have their own room and bathroom and share the kitchen and the living room, while others live in a completely independent flat. They are offered the support of professional educators and of a psychologist. The aim of this service is mainly to strengthen the independence gained during a period spent at the community center. - Oasis of Needlework, a tailor’s shop aiming at creating job opportunities for the women who are/were at the community center and who took part in the sewing course offered there on a weekly basis and/or other people who due to social/economic/personal reasons find themselves at a disadvantaged position.