UNICEF Youth Initiative Highlights Multicultural and Environmental Rights
The children of fifth grade, who participated in the UNICEF initiative, the mayor’s “ideal defender of children,” greeted the councilors in Italian, Arabic, Polish, German, Bosnian, and English, sharing their observations on the rights of the most vulnerable. They did so to highlight the presence of various cultures in an increasingly multicultural school.
“The school is facing the challenge of integration,” declared Maurizio Tencheni, the head of the comprehensive institute, “with the awareness, also reflected in the students’ research, that the world outside is changing: there are 481 foreign residents here, belonging to 38 different nationalities.” To illustrate the right to equality, one class wrote the story of Jean Pierre, a French-origin child whose lisp and geographical origin, initially seen as a flaw, ultimately become a point of pride.
Projects and Environmental Rights
“The children chose the story and the video, created by photographer Giorgio Rovina,” stated Luisa Oliosi, the teacher overseeing the initiative, “to also discuss the right to protect the environment, health, and recreation.” The children then asked questions and invited the local administration to take concrete action, such as better organizing and supervising spaces dedicated to children’s play, to prevent bullying by older children, as well as establishing a fitness trail for those who want to stay in shape.
Similarly, there was a demand for a swimming pool. “We will meet you halfway,” replied Mayor Fausto Sachetto, “a health path will soon be implemented along the Mincio River, but creating a swimming pool is beyond our means. However, water parks already exist in our territory.”
Environmental Issues and Public Maintenance
Other stories highlighted how nature is an indispensable element for these young students, who hope to see the sports arena surrounded by greenery and a bicycle path along the Mincio free of cars, as well as urging the Municipality to maintain the waste bins properly and empty them promptly. “Each year, we buy about a hundred,” said Giorgio Vicentini, the ecology councilor, who also noted that it is positive that 40-50% of agricultural businesses employ integrated pest management, thus reducing pesticide use.
Finally, Tencheni proposed painting the waste bins as both an aesthetic enhancement and an opportunity for creativity across various school levels.
