Stories of the Suburbs. Bringing the suburbs back to the center of the story.

There are cities and neighborhoods where life is more complex for young people than elsewhere: there are less opportunities, cultural offerings are lacking, and boys and girls run the risk of finding themselves in situations of marginality and exclusion. This happens especially in the most difficult suburbs of large cities, which less cultural and community centers where young people can spend their time engaging in exciting and constructive activities. The Fondazione Maria e Goffredo Bellonci is famous because every year it organizes the Premio Strega, Italy's most important literary prize, but its goal goes beyond that: it also aims to bring the magic of contemporary Italian literature to where it is most needed, to the often forgotten and marginalized places in our society. In the case of the project we support, Tor Bella Monaca and Caivano, on the outskirts of Rome and Naples, respectively. The project “Storie di Periferie. Riportare le periferie al centro della storia” (“Stories of the Suburbs. Bringing the suburbs back to the center of history”) is a true act of love for those communities that are too often neglected: the initiative aims to awaken a passion for reading and culture in the hearts of young people living in the most difficult suburbs of our big cities, making them protagonists of an extraordinary adventure: the Premio Strega Giovani. Immersed in a year of literary exploration, students from 100 institutions throughout Italy are involved in an unforgettable journey to the world of words and ideas. Thanks to the guidance of teachers and the support of the Foundation, they are in fact the ones who will form the jury of the Premio Strega Giovani 2024, with the task of reading and discussing the works of the 12 authors nominated for the prestigious prize. The culmination of this adventure will be the awards event on June 4, 2024, a moment of joy and celebration when students will be able to applaud the winner of the Premio Strega Giovani. This moment of national recognition will take place at one of the two venues chosen for this project: Teatro Tor Bella Monaca. But the adventure does not end here: thanks to the project we have chosen to support, students from Tor Bella Monaca and Caivano will have the opportunity to dive even deeper into the world of literature and creativity through reading and writing workshops and laboratories that will run from October 2024 to March 2025. With the guidance of the authors and the support of schools, local associations and cultural centers in the area, they will explore themes that have a special connection to their lives and communities. Finally, the fruits of this extraordinary journey will be shared with the world. Students will have the opportunity to publish their work on the online platform leggiamoci.it, thus giving voice to their experiences, ideas and passions, demonstrating that with culture and creativity the suburbs can finally tell another story. Details Location: Rome and Naples Promoter: Fondazione Maria e Goffredo Bellonci Beneficiaries: 2,000 students and teachers Contribution: 100,000 euros Period: May 2024 - May 2025

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Stories of the suburbs. Bringing the suburbs back to the center of the story

Stories of the Suburbs. Bringing the suburbs back to the center of the story.