Education is the key to creating new opportunities and fostering hope, especially in communities facing economic and social challenges such as Sulcis-Iglesiente, an area in southwestern Sardinia that has experienced years of widespread hardship. Here, many children and young people risk growing up without the opportunities they need to fully develop their potential. Cherimus ODV works to enhance the social and cultural heritage of the Sulcis-Iglesiente region by promoting initiatives that bring together education, art, and local communities. Together with the Elda Mazzocchi Scarzella Association, it shares a vision of education that uncovers hidden talents, nurtures curiosity, and restores dignity to people living in vulnerable circumstances. The SPES – Educational Innovation in the Sulcis-Iglesiente Region project, which we have chosen to support, aims to promote the psychological and social development of children and young people aged 5 to 17 living in the Sulcis-Iglesiente area. The project is delivered through two educational centers, located in Perdaxius and Domusnovas, and is structured around two main components: 1. Upgrading Educational Facilities Renovation and adaptation of the two association centers to create welcoming and functional learning environments. Purchase of a dedicated minibus to transport children and young people to educational activities. 2. Personalized Educational Pathways Participants will benefit from tailored programs that include: Academic support and reinforcement of core learning skills. Workshops in art, music, theater, and sports. Activities focused on exploring the local area and environmental education. Critical thinking workshops addressing themes such as war and peace. Initiatives designed to help participants discover and develop their individual talents, interests, and aspirations. Through collaboration with numerous local organizations, the educational centers will offer a wide range of learning and cultural experiences aimed at strengthening participants' motivation, self-confidence, and sense of belonging. The project will engage approximately 600 young people - 400 children aged 5 to 11 and 200 adolescents aged 11 to 17 - with particular attention given to children with special educational needs (approximately 10–15% of participants) and those with certified disabilities (around 5%). Details Location: Southern Sardinia, Italy Organization: Cherimus ODV Beneficiaries: Approximately 400 children aged 5–11 and 200 young people aged 11–17 Contribution: €100,000 Period: October 2025 – October 2028
