When education is accessible and continuous, communities grow in a more equitable and inclusive way. In contexts marked by social and economic fragility, education becomes a tangible tool for developing skills and pathways for personal, cultural, and professional growth. This is the context for the project we have chosen to support: “LIFE Restart - EDU,” an initiative promoted by the Fondazione delle Comunità del Mediterraneo Sostenibili e Solidali per l’Inclusione e l’Accoglienza – Fondazione MeSSInA Philanthropic Organization, with the aim of structuring actions to combat educational poverty in the Messina area. For years, Fondazione MeSSInA has promoted sustainable human development in the areas where it operates, building long-term policies capable of creating meaningful connections among production, cultural, welfare, education, research, and development systems. Its support also extends to initiatives designed to attract creative and scientific talent, urban regeneration programs, and actions to strengthen the social capabilities of local communities. Over time, the results achieved have led, among other things, to the regeneration and enhancement of 10 areas of significant architectural and environmental value that had previously fallen into neglect. Today, these spaces form the network of the “Parchi della Bellezza e della Scienza” (Parks of Beauty and Science) (IPBS), an educational and socioeconomic infrastructure serving local communities. As part of this journey, and as the lead partner in a partnership involving Ecos-Med Social Cooperative and the Horcynus Orca Foundation, Fondazione MeSSInA has promoted the “LIFE Restart - EDU” project, which will help define the identity of the Park of Beauty and Science in Roccavaldina, in the province of Messina. The project is based on two main objectives: the completion of the “Olivettian Hub” within the Park; the creation of permanent infrastructure dedicated to combating educational poverty. The Olivettian Hub in Roccavaldina will launch the world’s first factory dedicated to producing innovative bioplastics made from spent grain from Birrificio Messina, a successful workers’ buyout supported by Fondazione MeSSInA itself. This initiative is encouraging a broader transformation of the area, which will also include the redevelopment of the historic town center, reforestation efforts, policies to attract new businesses, and Land Art projects. More specifically, the project includes: 1. The completion of the infrastructure development process for the Olivettian Hub in Roccavaldina, through the following initiatives: the launch of the ecobuddy® factory; the creation of 10 jobs, including 2 positions for people in vulnerable situations; the launch of 3 social-green enterprises and additional businesses connected to the Hub’s supply chain. 2. The creation of permanent infrastructure, specialized in STEM knowledge, to combat educational poverty, through: the activation of 3 permanent labs focused on ecological transition, materials, energy production, and the fight against climate change; the activation of a permanent workshop for educators and teachers, designed to strengthen the educational pact and the educating community; the signing of a local educational pact. Overall, the project activities are aimed at 260 high school students in Messina and 30 educators and teachers. Our contribution made it possible to create the permanent infrastructure dedicated to STEM knowledge. Because it is through education that the future of a community takes shape. Details Location: Roccavaldina, Messina Organization: Fondazione MeSSInA Philanthropic Organization Beneficiaries: 260 students, 30 educators and teachers Contribution: €150,000 Period: February 2026 - June 2027
