The Foundation for Partnership and Civil Society Development
+RESILIENT – Study visit to Reggio Emilia
During +RESILIENT project implementation Foundation for partnership and civil society development representatives participated to a Study visit in Reggio Emilia (Italy) in the period from 14th till 15th of February. Partners and stakeholders had the chance to exchange the knowledge and experiences, together witnessing the good practice examples, when it comes to social innovations in Reggio Emilia.
After the introduction of the City administration representatives, participants went to visit Chiostri di San Pietro, a former convent, in the process of reconstruction and renewal at the moment. At the finish of the construction works, Chiostri di San Pietro will be presenting the place of political and cultural activities of the City, also unique open laboratory of social and technological innovations. Renewed and redesigned complex will be used for the cultural events, exhibitions and multifunctional spaces.
Study visit continued with the presentation of the project „Coviolo wireless” with whom the City government of Reggio Emilia supported implementation of the telecommunication network in rural area named Coviolo. The model in Coviolo was used after in the other rural areas of Reggio Emilia, in order to supply them with wireless Internet connection. With the annual membership of 15 euros and the monthly expense of 10 euros for a single household, residents of Coviolo got the chance to use unlimited wireless Internet connection.
First Study visit day ended by visiting the active laboratory of a social culture – „La polveriera“. The spaces where once the old armory of Reggio Emilia was settled, were reconstructed and redesign for the local cooperative’s activities. Among coworking spaces, the place is also used for the social contents, such as the gym, bookstore and the handicraft shop in which are sold the products made by the persons with disabilities, coffee shop, restaurant, etc. „La polveriera“ is located in the center of the City, represents the gathering place for their citizens.
The last Study visit day was marked by the visit to International Loris Malaguzzi Center. The typical social innovation example, the Loris Malaguzzi Center implements specific methodologies when it comes to working with children of preschool and school age. Unlike the standard school system, The Center is using modern approach when it comes to working with children. „School without a backpack“ – is a popular term that is used by the school staff, and it is based on a principle that children do not need to carry the school bags, because all the working tool they need is in the Center.
As the unique example of citizens initiatives and social cohesions, Reggio Emilia worships the tradition of community joining since the beginning of the 20th century.
„Reggio Emilia it is not just the City itself, Reggio is an institution“ concluded one of the City administration employers, that by numerous good practice examples showed that they are stimulating the social sector and social innovations development in the local community.
