In the first six months of 2024, the Il Girasole Association of Taranto consolidated its crucial role in the social fabric of the city and its province through the “A Scuola di Vita” project, financed by the PUGLIA SOCIAL CAPITAL 3.0 – LINE A notice Founded in 2011, the association continues to be a center for conflict mediation, offering support to parents, couples, families and vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
“The Girasole association was founded in 2011 with the aim of offering legal and psychological assistance, promoting conflict mediation” states the lawyer Velia Casa, president of Il Girasole. “Taranto is a city that requires particular attention, especially for minors, who are often unaware of the legal implications of their actions. Our commitment is to inform and support children and their families.”
“A School of Life” project: Legality and Inclusion
“A Scuola di Vita” is a project aimed at preventing and combating violence, discrimination and intolerance, promoting social inclusion. The project, lasting 12 months, involves minors, adolescents (particularly disadvantaged), women and families in the cities of Taranto, Martina Franca, Palagianello, Massafra and Castellaneta.
Taking a holistic approach, the project offers immediate assistance and creates a support network for participants’ personal and social growth. Activities include scholastic remediation, sports and arts programmes, seminars on bullying and cyberbullying and awareness-raising activities on the responsible use of social media.
Activities of the First Six Months of 2024
1. Legality and Inclusion Path: Young people with a difficult past participated in workshops and debates on bullying and cyberbullying, led by experts such as the lawyer Anna Macrì and the criminologist Carmela Bruno.
2. Collaboration with the Amida Educational Center for Minors: Il Girasole has started a growth path at the “Amida” Social Educational Center for minors in Taranto, dealing with issues such as bullying, cyberbullying and gender violence.
3. Cooking Laboratory: During the Easter holidays, the kids learned to prepare “scarcella”, a typical Apulian dessert, connecting with their cultural roots.
4. Meetings on Gender Equality: These meetings raised participants’ awareness of gender violence and promoted a culture of respect and equality.
5. A day in the Magistrates Court: The students of the Battaglini Scientific High School in Taranto participated in a dramatization of a criminal trial, wearing robes and carrying out an engaging debate.
“Legal ignorance among young people is worrying. Many do not know that seemingly harmless actions can have serious legal consequences. We at Il Girasole try to fill these educational gaps,” explains Casa.
Social Impact and Future Objectives
The “A Scuola di Vita” project aims to create a lasting supportive environment by actively involving families and local stakeholders. Activities promote physical health and well-being, creative expression and a sense of belonging. Il Girasole addresses crucial issues such as bullying, cyberbullying and peer violence, educating young people on the responsible use of social media and promoting a culture of respect and solidarity online.
“The Il Girasole Association will continue to work tirelessly to support the community of Taranto. Our goal is to create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone,” concludes Casa. “We invite everyone to join us on this journey towards a brighter and more inclusive future.”
Thanks to the “A Scuola di Vita” project and the constant commitment of the Il Girasole Association, the province of Taranto is building a generation of young people who are aware, responsible and ready to face the challenges of the future with resilience and solidarity.
