RITA: through regeneration, the project dedicated to inclusion and solidarity kicks off in San Pietro in Campo

SAN PIETRO IN CAMPO – At Podere ai Biagi this morning the presentation of an innovative community regeneration project. It is called RITA (Regeneration – Inclusion – Territory – Social agriculture/agri-culture) and will be the decisive step for the birth of a new cultural center in the territory of the Municipality of Barga dedicated to the promotion of inclusion, solidarity and culture of the land and Arts. All the result of the fruitful collaboration of many local bodies and associations and of a contribution of 250 thousand euros from the “ServeunaIdea” call by the GAL-Montagnappennino as part of the projects for the regeneration of the community, and within the framework of the 2014 rural development programme. 2020 of the Region.

The project aims to create a short or medium-term place of hospitality and reception for people with disabilities or in disadvantaged and vulnerable situations and for their families. They will be involved in reception, inclusion and participation activities and in synergy with the reality of Fattoria Sociale, they will contribute to the production and marketing of agricultural products.

It all starts from the social farm and the inclusion and “agri culture” activities of Podere Ai Biagi in San Pietro in Campo, which the Bernardi family, thanks to a truly important network established with many local entities, is carrying out with great results from 2014 to today and which will now be developed further

The financed project will see work starting shortly for the renovation of the “Old House” which is part of the Podere ai Biagi estate, to create a place of reception and temporary hospitality for p. At least 4 beds will be set up in fully accessible spaces; the structure will then be equipped with materials and equipment useful for carrying out the activities envisaged in the project.

The recovery will not only concern the rural building, but the project also includes, thanks to the partnership with the municipality of Barga, the recovery of a portion of the route of the ancient Via dei Remi in the stretch that from the farm reaches the town of San Pietro in Campo and at the multipurpose center managed by the Paersano Committee.

The environment will therefore be able to become, for the local community and for the entire Serchio Valley, a point of welcome, participation and exchange of knowledge, thanks also to the numerous bodies and associations involved.

As explained by Luana Bernardi, on behalf of the family who has been carrying out a wonderful experience in San Pietro in Campo for years, and responsible for the project, RITA aims to broadly involve the community in the animation of the spaces and in the promotion of opportunities of inclusion also thanks to the participation of the ASL Toscana Nord Ovest. Meetings, theater and performing arts workshops are planned in the context of the farm and social farming activities.

In addition to Podere ai Biagi and its Foundation and the municipality of Barga, the other partners of the project are the cultural association Venti d’Arte, the Foundation for Social Cohesion, Agricola Calafata, the Istituto Comprensivo di Coreglia.