“The decision to become a volunteer is an extraordinary gesture that goes beyond the simple act of giving one’s time or experience, as it offers the opportunity for personal growth.” With these words, our conversation with Ilenia Bulla, an ST Foundation volunteer from Catania, South Italy, begins.
Working with us at the Foundation since its inception in 2001, Ilenia is eager to share more about her latest experience teaching kids in Palermo, Italy. The project became possible thanks to our partnership with Save the Children and the ACRA Foundation, and the presence of Alfio Stabile, Daniela Greco, Marzia Catanese, ST volunteers from Catania (Italy).
Ilenia, what motivated you to sign up as a volunteer?
I decided to become a volunteer because I wanted to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Volunteering allows me to share my knowledge and skills while also learning from the experiences of those I help. Also, it is an opportunity to create deeper and stronger bonds with my colleagues through shared experiences.
Can you tell us about your most recent course and where it was held?
It was with the Save the Children Punto Luce association in Palermo, specifically in the Zen II district. This is a very tough neighborhood in the city, with a high-density population and significant poverty. I used Robot Martien and Minecraft to teach these extraordinary kids.
Could you explain the program through which the course was delivered?
The course was a joint initiative between Save the Children – ST Foundation Italy and the ACRA Foundation. Save the Children’s Punto Luce are high-density educational spaces located in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods and suburbs of cities. They offer free educational and training opportunities to children and teenagers aged 8-14.
What type of course did you deliver and what was its duration?
The course was a pilot coding project aimed at children and educators, and it took place last December. We conducted two masterclasses: one for the age group 8-10 and one for the age group 11-14.
How do you think this course will impact the beneficiaries?
The kids were incredibly enthusiastic, especially because they learned to program the robots using the Vittascience platform. This experience not only introduced them to coding but also sparked their interest in technology and problem-solving.
Where did the equipment for the course come from?
We provided the PCs and robots for the courses, thanks to refurbished equipment donated by our main supporter, STMicroelectronics, which is also the company I work for.
Was this your first digital course with ACRA?
No, I have participated in other courses in 2024. However, I always prefer the classroom experience to the digital one.
What is your best takeaway from this experience?
On the second day, one of the youngest girls approached me and asked if we would come back again… in a faint voice. I asked her why she was asking me to come back, and she shyly replied, “So I can learn new things.” Volunteering teaches us to appreciate what we have and to see others’ challenges from different perspectives. This helps us cultivate gratitude and develop greater empathy.
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story, Ilenia. Your dedication and passion for volunteering are truly commendable. We look forward to hearing more about your future endeavors.
ACRA – read the interview to Dolma Bornengo to know more about our partnership [https://www.stfoundation.org/a-chat-with-our-partner-in-italy-acra/]
Save the Children Punto Luce
Since 2014, there are 26 Punti Luce (Light Points) across Italy. These are high-density educational spaces located in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods and outskirts of cities, offering free educational and training opportunities to children and teens aged 6 to 17. Within these spaces, children and families can benefit from various activities, including study support, artistic and musical workshops, reading promotion, access to new technologies, play, and physical activities. Read more about Punto Luce in Palermo (in Italian only): https://www.savethechildren.it/cosa-facciamo/progetti/punto-luce-palermo-zen-2