Palermo, Italy – A new initiative leveraging the power of sport is underway in Palermo, Sicily, aiming to address rising school dropout rates and provide a positive outlet for vulnerable youth. Approximately 200 students from the ICS Perez Madre Teresa di Calcutta school are participating in “TumíAmí,” a program centered around the sport of badminton.
The project, launched this month, is designed as a tool for social inclusion and growth, specifically targeting students facing social and economic challenges that put them at risk of disengagement from education. Organizers chose badminton due to its popularity in Bangladesh, the country of origin for a significant portion of the student body at ICS Perez.
“This project fits into activities already structured within the school,” explained Sabrina Marino, the school’s principal. “It aims to become a useful tool in combating school dropout phenomena. The project, which has been running for some time, is already bearing fruit and will continue until the end of the school year. Students can interact in a neutral environment with external educators, without being subject to evaluation, but encouraged to grow.”
The initiative is being spearheaded by LIFE and LIFE ETS, in partnership with the Piume d’Argento Badminton Club. Funding for the project was provided by the Regional Department of Family, Social Policies and Labor, which also donated sports equipment to the school. Paolo Caracausi, president of the Piume d’Argento Badminton Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the program. “We have involved many boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 10 who are pursuing this sport with great interest; many are proving to be talented, and we are really happy about that.”
The focus on badminton isn’t arbitrary. The sport’s strong roots in Bangladesh provide a cultural connection for many of the students, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. This connection is intended to create a more comfortable and engaging learning environment, reducing the barriers to participation and encouraging students to remain in school.
The “TumíAmí” project represents a broader effort to address the complex issue of school dropout rates in Palermo. According to recent regional data, the issue is particularly acute among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment centered around a familiar and accessible sport, the program hopes to offer these students a pathway to continued education and a brighter future.
The program’s structure emphasizes participation and personal growth over competition. Students are encouraged to interact with external educators in a non-judgmental setting, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. This approach is designed to address the underlying social and emotional factors that often contribute to school disengagement.
Looking ahead, organizers plan to host a badminton tournament in June, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their skills and celebrate their achievements. This event will serve as a culmination of the program’s efforts and a platform for continued engagement with the sport. The hope is that the positive experiences gained through “TumíAmí” will extend beyond the classroom, encouraging students to pursue badminton and other healthy activities throughout their lives.
The success of this initial phase of the project suggests a promising model for addressing school dropout rates in other communities facing similar challenges. By combining the power of sport with targeted social support, “TumíAmí” is demonstrating the potential to create lasting positive change in the lives of vulnerable youth.
The next step for the students involved in “TumíAmí” is continued participation in the program’s activities through the end of the school year, culminating in the planned badminton tournament in June. Further updates on the program’s progress will be released by LIFE and LIFE ETS and the ICS Perez Madre Teresa di Calcutta school.
