In the suburbs of our cities, there are stories that risk going unheard. Talented, energetic young people grow up in neighborhoods marked by decay and a lack of opportunities, at risk of feeling distant and forgotten. We believe that culture can make a difference: reading, writing, meeting authors, and sharing stories becomes a way to open up new perspectives, restore confidence, and bring back to the center those who too often remain on the margins. Since 1986, the Maria and Goffredo Bellonci Foundation has been promoting contemporary Italian literature and organizing the Strega Prize, Italy's most prestigious literary award. The Foundation works passionately in schools, spreading a love of books and making reading a lively and participatory experience. We share the same vision: culture is a common good and must be accessible to all, especially young people living in more fragile contexts. In 2024, together with the Foundation, we launched the first edition of Stories of the Suburbs. Bringing the suburbs back to the center of history. In Tor Bella Monaca (Rome) and Caivano (Naples), more than 1,500 students participated in creative writing workshops, interactive workshops, and meetings with the authors of the Strega Prize. Their words found a home on leggiamoci.it, a platform created to give visibility to the texts produced during the course. It wasn't just a school experience: we saw libraries, associations, and community centers transform into places of community, inclusion, and exchange. We listened to the kids and their families talk about the value of feeling like protagonists, no longer spectators. That's why we decided to relaunch the project with even more force. With the 2025-2026 edition, we are continuing to work in Caivano and Tor Bella Monaca, following up on the questions and expectations raised by the project, and extending our activities to the CEP district of Prà in Genoa, to reach new communities and spark new stories. With “Stories of the Suburbs”, we are pursuing a simple but powerful dream: that culture is a right for everyone, that no one is left on the sidelines, that every young person can feel at the center of their own story. Details Location: Rome, Naples, and Genoa Association: Maria and Goffredo Bellonci Foundation Beneficiaries: 2,000 students and teachers Contribution: €150,000 Period: 2025–2026
