Montemarano (Italy). In the eyes of the young people of Montemarano, in the province of Avellino, there is hope for tomorrow and the desire to enhance their territory in a complicated historical moment for young people, especially with regards to work.
Not only are there “brain drains”, but everyone is ready to leave in search of a job that can reconcile their dreams and professional expectations. The issue is even more complex for a young person who does not live in the center of the provincial capital, who has to travel miles to study or, simply, to use some essential services.
Thus, was born Community Guardians, a formation and growth project for the future promoted by the Association “A Braccia Aperte”, whose main purpose is the cultural animation of the territory.
The Association was established in Montemarano, Avellino, on 8 December 2020, and is made up of young people who, faced with the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic, decided not to remain idle and to ‘get busy’ to shorten the distances between them and to be active in the area.
Over time, it has carried out various entertainment activities, arriving this year to create the formation project “Community Guardians”, to improve the skills of members and volunteers in the field of entertainment, planning, and active citizenship.
Accompanied by Sister Aurelia Raimo, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of Good Counsel Province (IMR), starting in March 2024, the first formation meetings on the Preventive System were held by “AGO Formation” of Turin and other experts. On 24 April, in a Conference, the young people presented the project to the territory, sharing objectives and successes. The association meeting on 20 and 21 May was a time of growth and sharing on the animation and the three pillars of Don Bosco’s Preventive System. Towards the final events, online planning and coordination meetings were held.
On 5 and 6 June, in Naples, the young people experienced moments of meeting and discussion, combined with guided tours: Fondazione Banco di Napoli and historical museum; lunch with the FMA at St. John Bosco Community and formation meeting on active citizenship and development of the territory; presentation of the experience of the oratory of Soccavo; visit to the Cathedral of Naples with the Association “Pietre vive” and to the “Assogio” Center, a place of welcome and solidarity; visit to the Teatro San Carlo; visit and reading of some murals, urban art that tells stories; formation meeting on the Preventive System and active citizenship held by Sister Marinella Pallonetto, FMA; presentation of the Social Week of Italian Catholics of Trieste, held by Sister Angela Elicio, FMA; knowledge of the Catholic Youth Association (Asso.Gioca) with the interview with the President Gianfranco Wurzburger; knowledge of the “Casa di vetro”, a structure in the Forcella neighborhood of Naples, which is dedicated to children in study and play activities.
On 30 June the celebration of the conclusion of the Conference of the Project was held with the final evaluation. The initiative led to a greater involvement of young people in community activities, increasing their confidence in their own abilities, their sense of responsibility to the community and towards children, and their desire to discover and promote the territory.
With the new skills acquired, the Summer Camp and events have become more structured and engaging. Last but not least was the implementation of higher safety standards, ensuring a safe environment for all children participating in the activities.
“Taking part in the ‘Custodi di Comunità’ project was an enriching experience in many ways. Not only have I acquired new technical and practical skills,” says Martina, “but I have also developed a greater awareness of the fundamental role that our association can play in the local social fabric. I feel more prepared and motivated to actively contribute”.
The Project was approved and funded at 60% by the Bank of Naples Foundation and created by the educational passion of the various formators, members, and volunteers of the Association, accompanied by the trust and encouragement of the families, of various actors and friends of the territory, supported by private donors from Naples and Montemarano who contributed, helping to cover the remaining co-financing. Dreams in small steps that come true in the territory where one was born and raised, to imagine a future that “feels like home”.
