Modena, 19 June 2024 – A happy surprise welcomed the fifth grade students yesterday morning Sigonio High School Of Modenaabout to face the first test of the final exam.
Volunteers in front of the Sigonio high school in Modena
Shortly before 8am, the graduates were welcomed into the school courtyard by 7 volunteers of the association Viviamo in Positivo Modena, a group of ward ‘claun’ (to differentiate themselves from traditional clowns) and volunteers who, during the weekend, serve in various structures hospital of the province. The words “Exam anxiety? Hug me” stood out on the posters of the volunteers, ready to give hugs to relieve the tension of the graduates. It is the first time that the association, known for promoting well-being in healthcare facilities, has extended the initiative to graduates as well. “The idea – he says Laura Pinton, aka ‘claun Sbirba’, present at the initiative – was born almost by chance, inspired by the video of a boy who had made a similar gesture outside a university. Since our association deals with promoting well-being among people, we decided to also try in Modena and the choice fell on Sigonio, a Human Sciences High School where one of our volunteers also teaches and handed the proposal over to the manager . It was a nice surprise for both the students and many teachers that it enabled to live with more serenity a moment that is usually very tense”. “Unfortunately – says Nicola Basili, mathematics teacher at Sigonio and volunteer in VIP – today I was unable to be present because I am an external commissioner for the high school diploma in another school, but I am very happy to have contributed somehow to put this beautiful idea into practice. Sometimes a small gesture, like handing over a letter, is enough to contribute to something beautiful. I think it’s really important cultivate emotional aspects at school too“. The director of the Sigonio High School, Cristina Mirabella, also expressed her satisfaction with the initiative. “The Sigonio High School – explains the principal – cares about the well-being of its students. In front of the entrance gate some volunteers gave big hugs to the graduates to convey positive thoughts and calm them down from their anxieties. We have tried, as always, to protect the well-being of our students, at an important moment in school life.”
Looking ahead to next year, the association We live in Positivo Modena it is proposed to replicate the initiative in other schools as well.
