"Piazze in Gioco": the micro-project supported by the Youth Bank of the T.R.A.P. project

T.R.A.P., selected by Con i Bambini under the Fund for combating educational poverty among minors, targets minors under the care of the Juvenile Justice system. Its goal is to foster their social reintegration and inclusion within the community through innovative educational pathways and participatory activities. Among the micro-projects supported by the Youth Bank activated within the **T.R.A.P. project,** "Piazze in Gioco" stands out as an initiative dedicated to community regeneration and the involvement of young people in Siracusa.

Context and Objectives****

Implemented by the cooperating center of Siracusa, the "Piazze in Gioco" micro-project emerged in a critical area of the city, marked by economic and social vulnerabilities. At the heart of its activities lies Parco Robinson, once a symbol of community gathering, now often associated with decay and vandalism.

The main goal of the micro-project was to restore a sense of belonging and care for these spaces, transforming them into places of interaction for young people and families. Through creative workshops, sports activities, and street art, the project aimed to:

• Develop inclusive relational dynamics;
• Promote play and sports as educational tools;
• Create new opportunities for social interaction and personal growth.

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The Activities

The "Piazze in Gioco" micro-project reached its peak on April 20, 2024, with a grand opening at Parco Robinson, complemented by parallel activities held in Piazza Santa Lucia, a peripheral square yet close to the historic center.

A key element of its success was the active role of the young participants in the T.R.A.P. project. Not only did they conceive "Piazze in Gioco," but they also took a leading role as animators and instructors, conducting recreational, sports, and artistic activities. This direct involvement allowed them to develop organizational and teamwork skills, demonstrating the transformative potential of the Youth Bank.

During the various meetings, which took place until June, the project hosted motor activities, artistic workshops, and inclusive play sessions. Initiatives included chess and ping-pong tournaments, juggling workshops, and the crafting of handmade juggling balls.

The inaugural event saw broad participation, involving children, teenagers, and young people from local communities and reception centers in the area. Thanks to the dedication of the young animators, moments of sharing, joy, and inclusion were created. Even the subsequent meetings, targeting younger age groups, maintained the spirit of community and creativity that defined the project.

As participants shared: "Piazze in Gioco gave me the joy of playing, doing sports, building together with others, and making friends."

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Looking ahead

The project will resume in November, focusing on new workshops for creating juggling materials and continuing the vision of continuous regeneration of public spaces and community ties.

"Piazze in Gioco" has shown how even a micro-project can have a significant impact, restoring dignity and vitality to forgotten public spaces and offering young people the opportunity to become active protagonists in transforming their 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.