ESC with children and adolescents in Centro Storico Ragazzi, Genoa

Centro Storico Ragazzi (CSR) project started in 2008 stemming from a shared assessment of the needs of Genoa historical centre, in particular its western part, made by parish churches and associations working in this context. In November 2012 “Associazione Temporanea di Scopo Centro Storico Ragazzi” has been formally created in order to assure support and continuity to the activities already implemented. CSR gathers the parish churches belonging to the central-western Curacy of Genoa, consisting in the most downgraded areas of the historical centre, together with some associations active in the support to minors with fewer opportunities: Par. N.S. del Carmine e Sant’Agnese; Par. S. Vittore e Carlo; Par. S. Giovanni Evangelista di Pré; Par. S. Luca; Par. S. Maria delle Vigne; Par. S. Maria Maddalena e S. Gerolamo Emiliani; Par. S. Pancrazio; Par. Ss. Annunziata del Vastato; Par. S. Siro; Par. S. Sisto II e Natività di Maria Ss.; Conservatorio Figlie N.S. della Misericordia so-called “Le Filippine”; Coop. sociale a.r.l. Il Sentiero del Movimento Ragazzi; Comitato Umanità Nuova – Azione per il Centro Storico; Centro Sociale La Staffetta; Associazione Oratorio San Filippo ANSPI, Coop. Sociale La Salle and Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica Centro Storico Ragazzi Sport. CSR carries out educational activities for youngsters (90 c.a during last year) aged 7-18 years-old, who live in or hang out at Genoa historical city centre. The majority of them have foreign nationality, especially Ecuador, Perù and China. Most youngsters we are working with face disadvantaged family environments, difficulties at school, economical obstacles and do not have a stable connection with the social context. Our working methodology is based on the encounter and the care of each child/young person, to whom we offer a space and a time to meet people who they can refer to, while we’re seeking for cooperation with the family, the school and the other educational agencies. Despite our religious inspiration, CSR’s activities do not have any religious linkage and address youngsters of all religions, with the aim of favoring not only intercultural but also inter-religious dialogue and learning. The Centre is open 6 days a week, from Monday to Saturday, every months with (except August), and has now become an important presence in the neighborhood. The activities take place in the spaces offered by all parish churches and associations. In this sense, CSR applies the approach of “outreach education” thus not having a pre-fixed headquarter. Other aspects related to this approach are the fact that we are part of the “ACT network” (Attività Cittadine e Territoriali – Educational workshops based in each neighborhood of Genoa and coordinated by Municipality’s Social Services) and that all our activities are open to children and youngsters in our neighborhood with no selections nor fees. CSR is organized in 5 main projects: 1- afterschool – activity/ oratory: open 6 days a week, here we offer scholastic support, in particular concerning Italian language and culture. Due to its daily opening, it is also a place and a chance to analyze and try to solve youngsters’ difficulties. 2- “Tutti a tavola”: canteen service for children and youngsters. The opportunity of eating together, in a cozy place, is the answer to the situation of many youngsters who join afternoon activities that cannot have lunch at home: together with a complete and healthy feeding, we offer a place for socialization and growth. 3- “Estate allegri!”: Summer camp activities offering educational and leisure time activities to children and youngsters also through short trips outside Genova. It is an important opportunity for youngsters who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to move outside their usual context. 4- “Lomellini sport” involves a football team. Since 2014, a group of youngsters aged +18 has been entrusted of a support role in the management of the sport activities, with the double aim of making them feel responsible and providing them with small economical support. The project has been officially recognized by ACES Europe, with whom we have signed an agreement, and by CONI (Italian Olympic Committee). In 2015 an association managed by youngsters, in charge of Centro Storico Ragazzi’s sport activities, has been formed. Sport project can also include other activities that can vary every year depending on time schedule, human and economic resources. 5- “Collaboration for activities on the territory”. During the year there are activities organized for youngsters attending the A.T.S., such as parties, trips and travels. These activities aim at giving them the opportunity to live experiences outdoor, far from the usual surroundings they live in. It is the opportunity for them to experience leisure time in a different context, such as the week in August at Pratolungo di Gavi, or other shorter experiences during the year.