BARI – The most striking cases were having to separate kids who had started fighting outside school. But the volunteers of the Finanzieri d’Italia Bari association did not only do this in their control service outside the schools.
«The project was strongly desired both by us, and thanks to the commitment of the school director Franco Lombardo, and of the councilor Antonella Gatti, for the prevention of discriminatory phenomena in secondary schools in the metropolitan area – explains the representative of the association, the lawyer Antonio La Scala -. 25 volunteer operators were involved who covered 8 school buildings.”
And at the end of the project, 71 reports were collected to the competent authorities, mostly safety measures for students (30%).
«The volunteers also intervened in other areas that concerned hygienic-environmental situations. Which concerned the decorum due outside school. It was a wonderful experience. The operators managed to establish a good relationship with the students and teachers. Theirs was an important role as an example, an additional adult of reference, to support the children. An affection that the children showed with great warmth at the end of the project which demonstrated both the good service provided to the community and how important it was for everyone.”
The volunteers who provided their service are mostly former financiers on leave or in any case qualified operators. A different role than that of “vigilant grandparents” who outside schools ensure that children cross the road safely.
«We have interfaced with older children with different needs – concludes La Scala – and having an authoritative figure nearby is essential for our young people, so in need of adults who know how to indicate correct behavior by example».
