In Cordata!
In Cordata! is a model program focused on climbing for boys and girls aged 10 to 17 who are experiencing personal or family difficulties, especially those on children’s residential or community-based programs.
Initially it was conceived as a one-off program for 2008 only, but due to its success it became a permanent annual program of our Foundation. Each year it is proposed to 4 different childcare organizations. In 2008, the program was delivered to 54 adolescents from 4 residential facilities,
2 in Lecco and
2 in Brescia. In 2009, the program was delivered to
42 adolescents from 2 residential
facilities in
Milan and 2 group homes in
Como. In 2010, the program is going to be delivered to 66 adolescents from 4 residential
facilities in
Milan and 2 group homes in
Como.
The underlying belief is that sport is a major educational tool for children and teenagers in general and even more so for those with a difficult family background or in distress. Our Foundation decided to focus on climbing as it believes it is the ideal sport to pass on fundamental values and promote ethical behaviors. It is thus crucial that educators be not only professional but also sensitive individuals who connect with children. This is why we chose ALM-Attraverso
La Montagna an organization of extraordinary people, educators and guides, who have the qualifications and
the right human touch.
Overview
The program consists of a climbing workshop organized into three steps: a) two lessons indoors to learn the rudiments of climbing; b) two day in the mountains to practice the notions learned indoors; 3) a week-end in the mountains, climbing and reaching a peak, spending the night at a mountain hostel.
Through these activities the individual skills of children are brought out and enhanced thus strengthening their self-esteem. Climbing is the ideal sport to forge behaviors based on mutual respect and trust, the importance of playing by the rules and of working together to achieve a common goal. This are fundamental values for any of us, but especially for the children and teenagers the program is designed for, who do not have positive role models to turn to and do not know how to manage their aggressiveness. The workshop is carried out by a team of professionals: 1)
Mountain guides: seven certified and registered mountain guides who are sensitive, motivated and trained by ALM to work with children for the purposes of this program 2) The ALM Educator: who works with the guides, the childcare organization and the Oliver Twist Foundation. She is the person who tries to capture the children’s needs, drafts and implements
the program and checks it along the way. 3)The educators of the childcare organization: the collaboration of all educators who work with the child on a day-to-day basis is crucial to the success of the program in all its stages. They are the primary source of information on the child’s needs and character and they can help those who are involved in the program find the
solutions which best meet the need of the child.
Approach
Roped Party! is a bespoke educational program that fits into the child’s existing educational pathway. The program leverages the natural beauty of the mountain, its mystery and mountain sports. Its purpose is to foster the child’s all-round growth.
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.
