A new beacon of education, creativity, and social inclusion has been lit in the heart of Naples. Today marks the inauguration of “Le Muse,” a new multifunctional educational center promoted by Altra Napoli EF in collaboration with Asso.Gio.Ca (Associazione Gioventù Cattolica), the Campo del Moricino school in Naples, the Sanitansamble EF Association, and the Il Cielo Itinerante Association.
A Multifunctional Center Tackles School Dropout in Piazza Mercato
Located in Piazza Mercato, near Porta Nolana, “Le Muse” is designed as a dedicated space for study, play, and social interaction. Its primary objective is to combat school dropout in an area that continues to show alarming statistics. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, according to the latest data released by the Prefecture, 3,340 minors abandoned school in the metropolitan area of Naples. This phenomenon underscores the urgent need for concrete action from institutions and the third sector.
The project extends beyond simply addressing educational gaps; it also aims to stimulate the revitalization of a historical neighborhood deeply affected by economic and social fragilities. This initiative is a natural continuation of Altra Napoli’s commitment since 2005 to recover and improve spaces for projects benefiting children and young people, thereby fostering a stronger sense of community.
A Collaborative Effort for Social Regeneration
The new educational center, spanning approximately 300 square meters, is situated within a former BNL BNP Paribas branch, which the bank chose to allocate for social purposes. Altra Napoli has successfully raised around 1 million euros from institutions and private companies. This funding will cover the renovation of the premises and sustain the social activities at “Le Muse” for the initial four years.
In line with Altra Napoli’s tradition, significant attention has been paid to the quality of design and furnishings. The goal is to transform the beauty of the spaces into an educational and developmental factor in itself.
Activities Offered at ‘Le Muse’:
- For Early Childhood (0-6 years): Play-educational activities, parenting support programs, and family gatherings.
- For Children and Adolescents (6-16 years): After-school support, afternoon workshops, thematic corners for reading, digital skills, arts, and sports; computer literacy courses; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs; aggregation spaces, educational and career guidance; musical activities, creative, and audiovisual workshops.
These activities will be managed by Asso.Gio.Ca and Sanitansamble, organizations that are already partners with Altra Napoli in other projects in the Rione Sanità and Forcella neighborhoods. The collaboration with the Campo del Moricino school is particularly crucial, ensuring a direct link with minors most at risk of school dropout, with the aim of facilitating their reintegration.
A Network of Supporters for a Community Project
The project has been made possible through the support of a wide network of organizations, including: Con i Bambini, Fondazione CDP (a non-profit entity of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group), Fondazione Peppino Vismara, Enel Cuore, Fondazione Grimaldi, Poste Italiane, Fondazione BNL, Eni, Fondazione L’Albero della Vita, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Ardian Foundation, Agaton, IKEA Napoli Afragola, Hisense, Siram Veolia, and Mondo Giochi.
Ernesto Albanese, President of Altra Napoli, stated during the inauguration, “Today, we inaugurate a new educational hub that offers spaces and activities for the growth of young people in this area. Over the past 20 years, Altra Napoli has invested approximately 15 million euros in projects dedicated to children and adolescents, supporting their education and integration into the world of work. We will continue on this path, with the opening of other spaces already planned for 2026 to pursue our objectives. Special thanks go to BNL for deciding to dedicate its property to an initiative with strong social value in a territory with which it has consolidated relationships. We hope that other companies will follow its example.”
Marco Rossi-Doria, President of Con i Bambini, emphasized, “The establishment of the new ‘Le Muse’ educational hub in the historic Piazza del Mercato in Naples represents a significant step in strengthening the educational and cultural offerings for children and young people. As Con i Bambini, we believe it is fundamental to support initiatives capable of offering concrete opportunities, combating inequalities, and promoting active participation and early learning for all, in alliance with the schools of the new generations. ‘Le Muse’ is the result of a shared commitment among institutions, the third sector, and local communities, who have effectively cooperated to build an open, inclusive, and generative space. It is an investment in the future of the territory and its youngest energies.”
Source: napoli.corriere.it
