Monograph: Italy. Educating Suburbs

The latest issue of the Fondazione Reggio Children journal brings together experiences, projects and reflections from across different regions of our country – urban suburbs, inland areas, border regions and communities facing social challenges – focusing on the role of education in building communities.

As highlighted in the editorial "L’Antidoto. Quality Education and Cohesive Communities" by Cristian Fabbi, the suburbs are not merely places of marginalisation, but settings where relationships, resilience and opportunities for the future are forged every day. In these places, schools and education emerge as the ‘beating heart of the community’, capable of strengthening social bonds and fostering trust.

This issue explores the theme of educational communities as fundamental infrastructures of society: public spaces where children, families, schools, institutions and local areas work together to address inequalities and social isolation. Quality education is described as a genuine ‘social antidote’, which acts over the long term, strengthening relationships and civic participation.

Among the contributions and experiences featured in the monograph:

• the E.N.E.R.G.Y. and Crescere Insieme projects in the most complex urban settings;
• educational initiatives in suburban areas and border regions;
• reflections on children’s rights in mafia-controlled areas;
• the Abitare il Paese initiatives;
• Fondazione Reggio Children Charter of Values;
• experiences from small mountain schools and the Ligonchio Atelier;
• the role of libraries and cultural spaces as community hubs.

This issue also highlights the work of Fondazione Reggio Children  and its partners, who are committed to building and supporting close-knit learning communities based on participation, nurturing relationships and a child-centred approach.

👉 The third issue of FRC News is available to download free of charge.

Download the magazine and discover stories, projects and reflections on educational neighbourhoods and the role of education as a social antidote and a driving force for community transformation.