DesTEENazione project launches youth outreach in Valdarno

The DesTEENazione – Desideri in Azione project has entered its operational phase in the Valdarno aretino region. Funded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and led by the Municipality of San Giovanni Valdarno, the initiative aims to engage local adolescents through direct community involvement.

A key component of the project is the development of a future teen hub located at via Mannozzi 24 in San Giovanni Valdarno, with renovations expected to be completed by February 2027. Rather than waiting for the facility to open, the project is currently building a community through active outreach.

An operational team of eight educators has been selected to work under technical coordinator Linda Mugnai. Four educators will focus on street education, meeting youth in their frequent social spaces to listen to their needs and expectations. The other four will manage the GET UP program, which targets secondary school students through transformative social utility and participation experiences. These efforts are intended to facilitate a co-design process, allowing young people to help define the activities and characteristics of the future hub.