‘Labs to Learn’ project helps at-risk youth access education

(MissionNewswire) Salesians held the final event of the “Labs to Learn” project in Italy on March 5. The goal was to combat school dropout and prevent educational poverty by increasing the number of at-risk youth who continue on in school and access higher education and/or job placement. The project was selected by the With the Children social enterprise within the framework of the Foundation for the Fight against Child Educational Poverty.

The event, which took place in the neighborhood of Valdocco in Turin, brought together 30 speakers and more than 300 youth from the schools who participated in the project. Father Leonardo Mancini, superior of the Piedmont, Valle d ‘Aosta and Lithuania Circumscription, started the event with an address in which he quoted Don Bosco. “More will be achieved with a word of encouragement that gives confidence to the hearts of the youngsters than with many reproaches which only disturb them. Work is a powerful weapon against the enemies of the soul.”

Father Stefano Mondin, director of the Michael Rua Salesian Oratory, spoke about the origins of the “Labs To Learn” project, noting the four fundamental areas in which it was developed. These include the Maker Lab workshops which focused on a learn by doing; the Didactic workshop study method to reinforce cognitive, behavioral and affective-motivational skills for study; the Work Lab to encourage youth on a pre-professional and flexible path; and finally the Community Lab, which involved localized community activity, educational agreements, and building networks.

“The project connects school and extracurricular activities, aimed more at doing and understanding, so that the youngsters discover their dignity, something which is able to generate something beautiful,” Fr. Mondin explained.

After a visit to the Maker Lab stands where students presented their activities, guests were able to take part in the in-depth roundtable discussion focused on “The educating community: learning and inclusion. What is needed, what is missing.” During this time youth participated in a civic education game.

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Italy – “Labs To Future”: the final event of the “Labs To Learn” project in Valdocco

Labs to Learn

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy