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Momo


Momo is a model program developed by us, at the Oliver Twist Foundation, out of our firm belief that holidays are a key educational opportunity, especially for traumatized children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Regrettably, due to the lack of financial resources or organizational difficulties, the potential of this opportunity often cannot be fully tapped by nonprofit organizations in the field.  Our Foundation has significant expertise in organizing projects which use ‘mountaineering’ as educational tool. We also have a proven track record of work with reliable partners to whom we propose pilot programs and educational activities that fit well into their children’s residential programs. Leveraging all this, we created Momo, a pilot model holiday program that offers children fun and relax but also a wealth of opportunities to discover, learn and develop strong relationships and make their holidays a unique experience.


Overview


Momo is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ but a personalized program which entails careful analysis of the needs of every group of children to arrive at the best solution for them. To this end, we carefully select places, accommodation and activities that best match their needs. We also select the local specialists choosing them among those that offer sports and social life programs, provide accommodation, and the right balance between child protection and social integration. After selecting the children’s residential program we intend to support, the project is developed as follows. First we look for the right place and accommodation i.e. a beautiful, safe place offering activities that are suitable for children. The accommodations and related hospitality services can be operated by local specialists that are also responsible for the activities offered to the children. Our responsibility is to propose suitable candidates that respond to the children’s needs, and if necessary train them. Second, we have a meeting with the head educator of the children’s residential program who presents the group of children, their needs and characteristics. This is a key moment since it is at this time that we gather all information required to cut the program to measure according to the needs and goals of the specific group. Third, the program is rolled out. The fourth and last step is the review of the program with the team of educators. We exchange ideas and information with all players involved on an ongoing basis. This means Momo is checked along the way and not just upon completion, and anytime an issue comes up it is corrected right away by adjusting or changing actions, and our program is brought back into line with the actual needs of children. At the end of Momo educators and children give their evaluation by completing an anonymous questionnaire. By gathering their true opinions, suggestions, criticisms we get feedback and can make adjustments, if and where needed, to future programs.


The pilot program


The pilot program was carried out in 2009 and entailed 4 different packages that had been previously shared and agreed with the heads of all participating organizations.


1) In the mountains: a week in the beautiful old village of Bobbio (Piacenza, Italy) where children enjoyed the outdoors, played, had fun and took care of nice little donkeys; 2) In the mountains: one week in the Apennines in Emilia hiking with the guides of ALM – Attraverso la Montagna, and staying in a chalet; 3) In the countryside:  one week on the hills of Oltrepò Pavese in a hostel surrounded by forests, with the opportunity to practice horse-riding with professional instructors 4) At the seaside: two weeks in the sun at a seaside resort in Salento, horse-riding and taking tours to discover the natural beauties and the artistic heritage of the region. In its first year, the pilot program was delivered to about 55 children from 7 residential facilities run by 4 different organizations, two in Naples and 2 in Milan. Following the success of the pilot program, Momo has become a permanent annual program of our Foundation. 


The approach  


Momo is a program focused on kids and teenagers. The centerpiece of this educational program are the holidays seen as a key opportunity to share significant experiences, appreciate the beauty of places, of being together and practicing sports. Its primary goal is to promote children’s all-round development. The relationship with adults who take care of children, accompany them through this experience and share special moments with them are the other key features of this program and more generally of any children’s program of our Foundation. The specific traits of this program include the carefully selected professional staff with proven track record in the field who share the program goals and method.