The Island of Smiles in the heart of Forcella is a demonstration of the presence of civil society in the border neighborhoods , representing one of the possibilities for redemption of all marginal neighborhoods, whether on the outskirts or in the heart of the city.
The scenery
Fork It is a neighborhood located in the historic center of Naples, one of the richest neighborhoods in history and life in the city. Unfortunately, it is sadly famous only for the events of News which regularly bring it to the forefront. Its inhabitants are of humble and working-class origins, and are heavily influenced by the Camorra, a criminal organization deeply rooted in the area, having established one of its most important strongholds right in the heart of the city.
Mainly because of the News, in fact, the collective imagination identifies this dusty jewel with criminal activities such as drug dealing drug, traffic of weaponry, racket of extortions, prostitution and clandestine markets.
Reaction and contrast
The cry of redemption from the multitude of inhabitants, hostage of criminal minority and a situation of marginalization and poverty, represents fertile ground for reform and redevelopment of the area.
Since late 2013, the social cooperative " L'Isola del Sorriso " has been promoting and implementing a social project whose protagonist and beneficiary is the Centro Antico di Napoli. The activities carried out in recent years are aimed at the youngest segments of the population, specifically young people aged 6 to 13. The choice to target this segment of the population arose from the fact that only by educating the very young can we hope to change things, because, without falling into banality, young people not only represent the future , but above all they represent the generation with which it is most likely to be possible to make an impact.
It is more likely, in this age range, to be able to build a relationship and a bond that allows these young generations to grow and mature with greater respect for company and legality, And next.
While focusing almost all our energies on working with young people, part of the project also wanted to involve adults, setting up a series of for them branches di assistance free services that citizens can turn to in case of need, and which we will look at in detail later.
The work of the Forcella Youth Center is not only focused on academics, but is also aimed primarily at providing norms, customs, behaviors, and general etiquette, which allow these young people not only to live with greater respect for others, but also with greater self-awareness. After the designated study hours, recreational activities are interspersed, focusing on engaging with these young people and their lives, creating ongoing support and trust that allows them to open up and confide in others. This type of activity allows staff to address and share the difficulties and situations in which they, despite their young age, find themselves with a precocious awareness of their surroundings.
The other phases of the project
In Forcella itself, the project has expanded to include schools , involving state institutions and offering educational and training services, combating functional illiteracy and eating disorders through lessons and thematic workshops. Other art and recycling workshops have completed the educational offering, officially included in the curriculum offered by the schools involved.
Social help desks
Since the same date, the cooperative has provided social services, including a counseling center and a social support center . The former, achieving its goal, has successfully welcomed a large number of people and offered them a listening ear, counseling, and confidentiality. The social support center has provided, in addition to tax assistance, support for those facing social hardship, for the families of prisoners, and for the elderly, even offering the latter the option of home appointments if they are unable to travel.
Other social activities
In addition to projects in the Forcella district, the cooperative carries out activities and projects throughout the metropolitan city of Naples , its province, and throughout the Campania region.
The themes of the projects carried out concern the fight against all the bad practices present in schools and in general among young people, such as Bullying, sexism, the addictions, the violence gender. Actions and projects aimed at disabled people and cancer patients can also be mentioned. The cooperative is also involved in retraining of metropolitan and rural areas, enhancing monuments of historical-archaeological interest and naturalistic areas through itineraries social tourism.
With a staff of 25 employees, most of whom are operators, Isola del sorriso also actively participates in national and international projects, covering the European needs of standardization legal and social responses to issues relating to equal opportunities, gender-based violence, care for unaccompanied minors, migration phenomena and social inclusion.
Below is the link to the social cooperative's website:
http://www.lisoladelsorriso.org/
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/coopisoladelsorriso/?fref=ts
René Verneau
