Rome (Italy) In this time of particular trial, the Novitiate community of Mary Help of Christians of Castel Gandolfo (Rome), Roman Province of St. John Bosco (IRO), asked how to be of help above all to the poorest children. This desire led them to contact the director of the diocesan Caritas of Albano with whom they had already collaborated. Dialogue with him and reflection on the difficulties of families and group homes during a prolonged stay without great resources, guided the development of a resource that offers ideas for leisure and creativity. It was born as an aid to group homes and families in greater need, but it can be used by anyone.
“A simple and beautiful idea, #iorestoacasa children, with modules, books, and so much creativity to be released in the family, in the hope and certainty that the young ones of the house can fly with their imagination and discover many colorful worlds for traveling,” Â explains Father Gabriele D’Annibale, Director of Caritas of the Diocese of Albano.
The grant is divided into seven areas: Creativity workshops (cooking, chores, gardening, Easter decorations), Experiments, Games, Entertainment, and Sports (dancing, gymnastics, and Zumba), Music (basic course for guitar, flute, singing, Body Percussion, Karaoke), Â online Movies, Online musical and cultural events).
The resource lists also specify the recipients: Elementary School, Middle School, All.
#iorestoacasa children requires the use of resources of daily household use, easily available, as illustrated by the Novices in the introduction to the Resource:
“During this special situation in which we find ourselves spending a lot of time at home, we have developed a simple aid with different types of activities. In practical activities, a criterion of choice was that of the simplicity of construction and the use of easily available materials. It is recommended to do the activities under the supervision of a parent/educator to facilitate their performance. This contribution can help find resources online, taking advantage of the wealth that the network offers, especially at this time, or suggest some creative ideas to be implemented at home with children and young people. (…) With the desire that it can be of help.”
“We are happy, first of all because it’s nice to work together. We felt part of the Church that works for the poor and we had the opportunity to make a small contribution to the children in greatest difficulty and to their families.”
Caritas of Albano offers the Resource at this link.
