At the heart of “Penso Positivo” lies an educational vision that places young people at the centre, guiding them to recognise their own vulnerabilities and choose freedom. A journey that unites different areas in the same challenge: building educational communities capable of caring for young people and preventing distress.
In Torre Annunziata, on the troubled outskirts of Naples, the project represents a concrete model for the prevention of youth addiction, where sport, school and personal testimony intertwine in a single educational journey.
Sport and prevention: “A kick against addiction”
In Torre Annunziata, prevention also takes place on the playing field: through the “A Kick Against Addiction” initiative, 27 young people took part in a three-way tournament in the heart of the neighbourhood. For one evening, street life gave way to the team. In an environment exposed to the risk of substance use, the young people experienced a different way of being together, and sport became an educational language that forged relationships and opened up possibilities.
The initiative is still ongoing, involving more and more young people from the local area. For example, through the “Let’s Play in Freedom” programme, between March and April another 30 children and young people from the neighbourhood are discovering the beauty of teamwork, mutual support and being there for others through volleyball, basketball and athletics.
Testimonials and prevention: the meeting with the Emmaus Community
But prevention also involves listening to real-life stories. At the Salesians in Torre Annunziata, 35 young people from the oratory met Fr Vito Cecere, from the “Emmaus Community” in Foggia – a centre offering shelter and rehabilitation for young people in difficulty – along with a young person currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Not a lecture, but a genuine dialogue. The testimonies gave depth to the theme of drug addiction, showing how it can imprison one’s life, but also how it is always possible to start afresh.
The young people’s questions made the meeting lively and engaging, bringing to light an important realisation: every story can change if it meets someone who accompanies them.
School and prevention: the programme at the “Pascoli – Siani” Comprehensive School
Another key focus of the project is the school. For this reason, the Giovanni Pascoli – Giancarlo Siani Comprehensive School was also involved in a programme that examined new forms of addiction. The students explored the risks associated with excessive video game use, understanding how it can affect sleep, performance and relationships. A specific focus was placed on smoking and vaping, analysing how these products are presented as harmless, despite causing addiction and significant harm. The activity helped the students develop greater awareness and critical thinking skills.
Not only that: the young people took part in the “Write Your Addiction” workshop, an experiential activity that put them in the driving seat. Starting from real-life stories, they identified warning signs, consequences and possible alternatives. An exercise that brought the content closer to their everyday experience. The final message was clear: recognising an addiction is the first step towards protecting one’s freedom and future.
Preventing addictions: offering alternatives, relationships and a future
The activities of the “Penso Positivo” project in Torre Annunziata reflect a vibrant reality deeply rooted in the everyday settings of young people’s lives: the streets, the playground, school and the oratory.
This is truly Don Bosco’s approach: being present, building relationships and offering concrete opportunities so that every young person can choose what is good. Not with ready-made answers, but by walking alongside young people and offering them opportunities: the most effective method for preventing any kind of pathological addiction.
Source: Salesians for Social
