The two-year ITACA program, launched in 2019 by Rondine Cittadella della Pace, with the support of the Vodafone Italia Foundation, aims to support the development and implementation of social impact projects developed by students of the Fourth Year of High School of Excellence at Rondine and by Rondine’s network of young people from all over the world, designed to respond to the concrete needs of social cohesion in the territories of Italy.
The program, designed as an incubator of ideas and projects, aims to enhance the human capital formed through the Fourth Year at Rondine by supporting the strengthening of the network of students and former students through training processes that foster the growth of functional, professional and effective relationships. The goal is to create a space capable of generating an exchange of ideas, information and contacts but also personal and professional skills useful for the realization of projects.
In this perspective, Itaca is based on an approach called “Systemic Thinking” that focuses on the strength of the reciprocity of the students who are part of it, on the construction of a shared vision – capable of holding together the specific differences and openness towards others – and on the strengthening of self-awareness. In this way, it is intended to promote the cooperation of the group by enhancing the commitment and ability of individuals to learn from all fronts, going beyond individual perspectives, researching and building a broader picture of the situations to be faced and of the possible solutions.
The elements of innovation of Itaca, in addition to the Rondine Method, the basis of all Rondine training courses, are the figure of the Project Manager and the E-QAR platform, a digital space for training, cooperation and remote co-design. It is through this platform that tools, resources and personalized content are provided to the alumni for the realization of the projects, together with moments of meeting and exchange in person at Rondine. Finally, the possibility of interacting with professionals who collaborate with Rondine and with a network of mentors who constantly support young people in their professional growth.
An educational system that encourages critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and risk taking by combining social planning tools with innovative entrepreneurial skills.
The projects developed are born to respond to the needs of the different Italian territories, which is why we operate in various regions to understand the specific needs, meet stakeholders and provide additional training support. So far we have developed and supported more than ten projects of social impact in various Italian regions and we continue to commit ourselves to supporting the young leaders of tomorrow and their commitment to creating a more sustainable and more equitable world.
Click here to discover the projects already developed