Villaggi per Crescere a success story of support to families and children in Italy

These Villages are free spaces where children and parents can come together, share experiences, and receive support from professionals ready to listen and guide them. Such places are vital, particularly in neighbourhoods where access to early childhood services is limited or insufficient.

The Villages provide more than just a safe space – they are hubs for meaningful activities that support children's development and strengthen parent-child relationships. Simple yet impactful activities such as playing, listening to music, reading stories, dancing, or gardening nurture both mind and soul. As Dr Tamburlini explains, science has advanced our understanding of early childhood development in recent years. We now have better insights into what parents, educators, and public administrations can do to ensure children's holistic growth, whether cognitive, linguistic, social, or emotional.

The activities at ‘Villaggi per Crescere’ offer opportunities for parents to engage in shared experiences with their children, which they can replicate at home. The principles of the project are rooted in fostering shared moments between parents and children, promoting bonds that last beyond the village itself.

However, creating these spaces can only be done in collaboration. It requires collaboration with local government, public health services, educational institutions, and NGOs. The goal is to build an educating community—one that understands and responds to the needs of families and children. Municipal governments are critical partners in achieving this, as the project works to reach families across all levels of society.

Through the Village, Monica Castagnetti, coordinator of Villaggio per Crescere in Milan, explains, we convey that children need time – time spent with a parent or caregiver. We welcome everyone without needing specific documentation, which allows us to cater to those who may not have access to traditional services. This inclusivity provides a much-needed respite for parents facing other pressures, allowing them to be present with their children.

In 2018, with support from The Human Safety Net, the first ‘Villaggio per Crescere’ opened in Trieste, followed by others in cities such as Genoa, Naples, Siracusa, and many more. The World Health Organization and UNICEF now recognise these Villages as models for nurturing care in early childhood development.

The project has grown steadily, and in 2021, further expansion was made possible by co-funding from The Human Safety Net and the social enterprise Con i Bambini. This led to new villages opening in cities like Milan, Palermo, Modena, Rome and many others. The initiative continues to evolve, introducing new programmes like financial education workshops and sessions specifically for fathers.

The success of Villaggi per Crescere lies in the positive changes it brings to families. Parents report that the time spent at the Village has given them fresh ideas and perspectives, helping them to engage more meaningfully with their children at home. 

Villaggi per Crescere is more than just a space – it's a family lifeline, offering support, education, and a sense of community. As the project expands, it brings hope to countless families across Italy, helping parents feel more confident in their roles and giving children the best possible start in life.