Support to 250 Families of the Centre Nando Peretti Roma Sud (formerly Laurentino 38) Housing Estate of Rome

Project location: Italy, Rome
Project start date: June 2003 - Project end date: This project covers various years
Project number: 2003-34
Beneficiary: SMOM

From the year 2006, the beneficiary of this project is AVCISMOM (Associazione di Volontariato dei Cavalieri Italiani del Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta)

 

2008/2009 Final Report 

[2008-42]

In 2009 the volunteers, in addition to continuing the work of the previous years, decided to open a psychological counseling center, to meet the needs of people with personal problems. To provide valuable assistance in case of serious psychological problems or depression, qualified staff was chosen.

During 2009, twenty-two distributions were made, twice per month, with 140-150 packages each composed of 20 different food products, for a total of more than 3,000 packages, with more than 45,000 pounds of food. In all distributions, mothers were given food and biscuits for children.
During the month of August an abundant supply of basic necessities goods was given to the parish. Also, at Easter and Christmas each family received the traditional Christmas cake: the Easter cake and egg, panettone, nougat, etc.

Twenty-two distributions of garments of all kinds were also made, partly collected from friends and mostly donated by the Centre Villa Flaminia, including suits, jackets, pants, sweaters, coats, blankets, shoes, clothing for babies and children etc. During Easter and Christmas, each family received, in addition to the usual gift items, also bedding: blankets, sheets and comforters, cushions, towels. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deodorant were also distributed.
Among the aid received, toys were huge. During a raffle for children at Hotel Polo in Rome, a lot of games were collected, which were distributed mainly at Christmas and some were left at the church, available to children of the neighborhood.

Utility bills such as electricity, rent, gas etc. were paid to families in need. Several lawsuits of people who did not pay the utilities for years were also settled, or of fraudsters who received money passing themselves off as employees of Italgas. A new boiler was installed in one home, and another received help for the renovation of the bathroom.

For the fifth year the theater workshop was organized, which involved over 60 young people, and ended with a show at the Teatro San Mauro Abate Parish and another at the Teatro dei Satiri, courtesy of Carmela Grifeo. All young people of the district have worked on all the shows, as costume designers, lighting technicians, musicians, directors and stage-hands.
The collaboration with the Association Ancora was very important still present in this field for over twenty five years. A theater course for adults was established, held at the Ancora headquarters and at the Parish of St. Joan Antida Thouret, affiliated to the parish of San Mauro Abate.

This year too, for the seventh consecutive year, the Summer Center was organized, attended by around 100 children from three to twelve years, supervised by the youth of Laurentino, former users of the center. Among the innovations this year, two large removable pools have been installed in the courtyard of the parish. The center is the only in the area to remain open until 17:00 and offers a daily meal to all children. The poorest families have been helped by the center entirely, while others have contributed financially according to their capability.

Within the center's activities this year, a trip to Castel Sant'Angelo was organized which proved to be a success, thanks to the participation of specialized tourist guides for children. Older children were given the opportunity to visit its underground prisons, normally closed to the public, who hosted among others Benvenuto Cellini and many other celebrities. The children were very excited when they had to crawl through a tunnel to go from one room to another. The tour was accompanied by stories and many questions that children have turned to the tour-guide with great curiosity and interest.
The second trip was at the Explora Museum and ended with a lunch of pasta and desserts. The third trip was made to Marmore Falls and was also very exciting. The fourth was to the water park. Finally, the fifth and most exciting trip was to the Historical Museum of Military Vehicles, where amongst cars and buses at the times of the Kingdom of Italy and the Republic, the boys have had an approach with the history of Italy. Soon after, the boys were received by the Army band, for a conference / concert at the end of which they could test the instruments.

This year a branch of the center was opened at the Parish of St. Joan Antida Thouret, in the Fonte Meravigliosa neighborhood in Rome. The Centre took the name "Nando Peretti Fonte Meravigliosa." The parish has provided a computer room for students and adults. The Order has also contributed to the installation of a broadband Internet connection. The Center provides food aid primarily to single mothers, distributing parcels with milk and other food and supplies for children. A volunteer, Alessandro Di Paola, organized an Italian course for foreigners.

On 24 March 2010, His Most Eminent Highness Fra' Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta visited the Center, on the occasion of the distribution of Easter packages, accompanied by many distinguished members of the Order.
The Grand Master celebrated Mass, after which he awarded five scholarships to deserving kids in the neighborhood and 200 Easter packages to the needy, in addition to 200 "common" parcels with food, clothing and toys, distributed by volunteers.