Italian municipalities involve children in local decision‑making

In Casatenovo, a community‑mapping project created by 11‑ to 13‑year‑old students was presented at the town hall on 4 June. The youngsters identified and described thirteen local sites, producing a digital interactive map that showcases their perspective on the town’s heritage. The initiative is part of the regional “ALL – Attività, Luoghi, Legami” programme, funded by the Lombardy region and the EU Social Fund, and was supported by the cooperative La Grande Casa and the Liberi Sogni educators.

In Forio, the municipal council hosted the inaugural session of a newly formed Children’s and Youth Council. The body elected a child mayor, Maria Francesca Ascione, a vice‑mayor, and a council president, among other representatives drawn from local schools. The council is designed to give students a voice in municipal matters, fostering civic education and direct participation in public decision‑making. Both projects illustrate a growing trend in Italian towns to involve young residents in community planning and local governance.