L’Orto del Cuore in Catania: the micro-project supported by the Youth Bank of the T.R.A.P. project

The T.R.A.P. Project – Tutt Rivendichiamo Altre Prospettive*, selected by Con i Bambini as part of the Fund for combating child educational poverty, involves minors under the care of juvenile justice authorities with the goal of supporting their reintegration and inclusion into society. In Catania, young people from the local center actively participated in the Youth Bank, where they designed and implemented a micro-project supported by the Youth Bank, called "L'Orto del Cuore", an initiative that created a community garden.

Located in the F.I.E.R.I. area, in a neighborhood lacking green spaces, the community garden was established with the aim of creating a space for community gathering and growth, promoting key values such as environmental sustainability, collaboration, and social inclusion.

During the workshop, which involved six young participants supported by the operators of FIERI - Sustainable Intercultural Factory of Reuse, practical activities were carried out, such as preparing the garden area, building a community compost bin, and selecting the gardeners who would manage the space. This journey not only developed practical skills but also strengthened the cohesion among the participants, encouraging them to reflect on important themes such as resilience and the role a united community can play in driving social change.

The workshop concluded with tangible results: two planting beds were built, and two gardeners were selected. Common rules were also established for managing the space, emphasizing how collaboration and mutual respect are fundamental to the success of such initiatives.

The young participants shared their experiences, expressing satisfaction with working in a team and feeling like active contributors to a concrete project. “The most important thing we learned,” they said, “was to listen to each other to achieve a common goal.”

"L'Orto del Cuore" is not just a physical space, but a symbol of how, through participation and collective effort, it is possible to create opportunities for a more inclusive and cohesive community. This project has shown how crucial it is to create shared spaces to grow together, both personally and as a community.

If you want to continue following the activities of the T.R.A.P. Project – Tutt Rivendichiamo Altre Prospettive*, check out the project page and follow us on our social media channels: Facebook and Instagram.

For more information or to get involved, contact Daniela Avanzato at d.avanzato@fcagrigentotrapani.it.