Icehearts in Genoa: growing together through school, sports, and relationships

Every week, a group of girls and boys in their second and third years of middle school meet in the classrooms and gyms of the Istituto comprensivo Sestri Est in Genoa to take part in an activity that is a little different from the usual. This is where the Icehearts Europe program of Uisp Genoa takes place, involving about 40 students organized into two class groups. They are guided by mentors Andrea Viari and Luca Passarelli, who work closely with the physical education teacher and the school management.

The project is designed to support the growth of young people through continuity, presence, and relationship building. The heart of the work is the weekly meeting, two hours to be together in a different way, within a school environment that becomes a space for discussion, movement, and reflection. “At the beginning, we observed the dynamics of the group,” says Viari, “and we set up activities to encourage shared play, respect for others' time, and the participation of everyone. The idea was to create a climate of trust, where everyone could find space to express themselves.” (SEE PHOTOS).

Among the proposals, a tailor-made cooperative game, in which you only win if every member of the team receives the ball at least once, proved particularly effective. “It was key to getting an important message across: that in a group, you grow together, and that each person is part of the result, not an obstacle to be overcome,” explains Viari. This approach has helped to gradually transform the quality of relationships within the classes, encouraging the children to recognize diversity as a resource rather than a barrier (WATCH THE VIDEO).

The program is not limited to school spaces. At the same time, Icehearts also takes place in the pool, where girls and boys find themselves in a completely different but complementary context (WATCH THE PHOTOS). Here, water becomes a leveling and transformative element: “In the pool, we are all equal,” observes Viari. "The caps, goggles, and the same motor difficulties put everyone on the same level. It is an environment that facilitates mutual listening and the opportunity to address one's insecurities without judgment."

Icehearts Europe, coordinated internationally by ISCA – International Sport and Culture Association, is active in 12 Uisp committees throughout Italy. The model is based on the stable presence of a mentor who accompanies the groups over time, building educational paths together through sport, relationships, and continuity. In Genoa, the project is part of the school and local network and has proven to be a concrete tool for promoting well-being, autonomy, and belonging.

Over time, the groups' ability to cooperate, talk about themselves, and support each other has strengthened. Teachers have confirmed an improvement in the classroom atmosphere, which now appears more relaxed, open, and collaborative. “It's a job that requires time and presence,” concludes Andrea, “but every week we see small signs that tell us it's worth it. When a boy or girl starts to talk about themselves and trust us, we know we're on the right track.” . (Lorenzo Boffa)

Funded by the European Union. The opinions expressed are, however, solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.