Exchange Experiences: Lecco and Agrigento United by Legality and Beauty

From May 29 to 31, 2024, the second edition of the youth exchange experiences organized under the **Drop-in project** took place, with the guiding theme of "Legality and Beauty." This time, 10 young people and 4 educators from Lecco had the opportunity to explore and experience the Agrigento area, strengthening the bond between the territories involved in the project through shared values and common historical memory.

The Drop-in Project and the Theme "Legality and Beauty"

The Drop-in project, selected by Con i Bambini as part of the Fund for the fight against educational poverty among minors, aims to support adolescents' transition to adult life by encouraging them to build their own life plans through significant experiences. Co-financed by the Peppino Vismara Foundation and led by La Grande Casa Società Cooperativa Sociale, this year's project saw young people from Lecco exploring the theme of legality and beauty in the heart of Sicily.

The choice of the theme "Legality and Beauty" was driven by the desire to impart to the young participants not just the knowledge of emblematic places, but above all the stories and values they embody. This approach aims to instill in young people a deep awareness of the importance of historical memory and civic engagement.

Art Between Past and Future

The visit began with an immersion in contemporary art at Farm Cultural Park, an "unusual" museum located in the historic center of Favara (AG). This innovative space allowed participants to reflect on the regenerative and educational power of art. The journey continued with a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where the young people admired the grandeur and beauty of the archaeological remains, symbols of a millennia-old, multicultural history.

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The Cuisine of Inclusion

Two highly significant moments used cuisine as a tool for growth and inclusion.

During a cooking workshop at Euroform's school laboratories, the young people from Lecco got hands-on experience, learning culinary techniques and discovering the value of cuisine as a tool for professional growth and employment opportunities for the many young people attending courses at the same association.

The meeting with Mareme Cissé, chef at Ginger restaurant managed by the social cooperative Al Kharub, and Carmelo Roccaro from the same cooperative, provided a unique opportunity for discussion: the chef shared her experience of integration through gastronomy after immigrating to Italy and how cooking helped her find her place in the new community.

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Legacy of Courage and Legality

A particularly enriching and touching moment was the brief ceremony at the commemorative stele that marks the assassination of Judge Rosario Livatino. Here, the young people met Giovanni Lo Iacono, President of the social cooperative named after Livatino, who illustrated the work done on lands confiscated from the mafia. Enzo Gallo and Giuseppe Palilla from the "Friends of Judge Rosario Livatino" Association shared their memories of the judge, recounting stories of courage, honesty, and commitment to legality that characterized every aspect of his life.

This stage of the Drop-in project once again highlighted the red thread that connects Lecco to Agrigento: a red thread of legality between Rosario Livatino and Piero Nava, from Lecco, who was an eyewitness to the judge's murder.

Legality and beauty are confirmed as pillars of an educational path aimed at forming conscious and active citizens, ready to build a better future.

If you want to continue following the activities of the Drop-In project,

Read the project sheet and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

To participate or for further information, contact Giuseppe La Rocca at g.larocca@fcagrigentotrapani.it.

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