In the Ragusa “transformed agricultural area,” the long-term effects of the fruit and vegetable sector have had a profound impact on the economic and social fabric. In this area of Sicily, educational poverty takes severe forms, depriving hundreds of minors with migrant backgrounds who live among the greenhouses in extremely poor conditions of even the most essential services, and limiting local children and adolescents to important learning opportunities.

The “Hub Rurali” project aimed to ensure access to a wide range of services for minors while also bringing together the various actors in the educational community around a new educational pact through the creation of a network of rural educational hubs.

The project supported the networking of multiple initiatives promoted by schools, local administrations, socio-health facilities, third-sector organizations, cultural organizations, trade unions, and businesses, all aimed at combating educational poverty through self-built playrooms and reading spaces, artistic and creative workshops, peer education pathways, digital literacy and socialization courses, nursery activities, and training programs for teachers.

Last but not least, it also included the establishment of a counseling, mediation, and legal advice desk.