Week Up: a Campus of Activism and Connections at the Rhythm of “Zero Sbatti”

Five days of discovery, sharing, and creativity. The Campus Week Up – Zero Sbatti, held with the contribution of Cuochi ma buoni Milano, brought together a group of young people in early September for an intense experience of learning, play, and cooperation. The initiative took place within the framework of the Global Districts project, co-funded by the European Union (DEAR Programme) and implemented by ACRA, ABD, ActionAid Hellas, Agenda21, Anthropolis, Center for Citizenship Education, finep academy, People in Peril, Südwind, and WeWorld.

From the very first day, the campus became a small community. After breakfast and the distribution of welcome gadgets, participants began getting to know each other through ice-breaking games such as “Two Truths and a Lie” and “Walk as if…”, a narrative game that paved the way for building the Learning Pact – a set of shared rules and commitments for living together harmoniously. Lunch at Rob de Matt, a social bistrot and for many their first encounter with a solidarity economy, opened the afternoon to sports, relaxation, and initial co-design activities. The evening’s cooking workshop turned pancakes and crêpes into an opportunity for collaboration and conviviality.

The second day was devoted to collective imagination and creation. The Map of Favorite Places encouraged participants to reflect on their beloved spaces and the vulnerabilities of their territory, while sharing personal dreams sparked creativity and connection. Ideas for future projects emerged — from sports tournaments to podcasts and group trips — which later took shape in the practical sessions that followed. The afternoon came alive with the Campus Olympics, filled with chants, team symbols, and games that blended healthy competition with laughter and camaraderie.

Wednesday brought an international breath of air. After a group activity dedicated to discovering Chad, the participants met Michele Spreafico, an ACRA trainer, who shared his experience in cooperation work in Africa, breaking down stereotypes and inspiring curiosity. In the afternoon, a particularly emotional moment took place: an online exchange with young activists from Chad. Their stories touched on universal themes such as the decision to stay or leave one’s country, conflict management, the right to inclusion for people with disabilities, and the role of youth in envisioning a fairer future. It was a genuine and heartfelt conversation that bridged two distant worlds through shared humanity.

Thursday shifted focus back to the body and play, with a volleyball workshop led by Paolo, an educator from Amico Charly. Through the metaphor of sport, participants reflected on facing life’s challenges and the importance of teamwork. The afternoon continued with the practical creation of their ideas: designing personalized t-shirts, recording audio clips, and preparing the campus podcast and song.

Friday closed the week with enthusiasm and joy. Between football matches, table football tournaments, and the final touches to their creative projects, participants engaged in a collective self-evaluation session, sharing emotions, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. The delivery of certificates and gifts marked the conclusion of an experience that left a deep impact, sealed with the promise to meet again soon for a social day trip.

The Week Up – Zero Sbatti campus showed how group experiences and participatory paths can become concrete tools for education in active citizenship, fostering bonds, curiosity, and a sense of belonging that goes beyond boundaries.

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