From the 8th to 19th of November 2023, 14 participants from Jordan, France and Italy  travelled to Rome to take part in the Youth exchange in “La Città dell’Utopia”. The base of this project is simple yet important; the need to construct a path around the house, making movement easier and enabling access for everyone. The core of this project is a commitment to inclusivity, in this case by building a pathway that will help people who otherwise may have difficulties to reach the building of “La Città dell’Utopia” and be an active part of the community. The construction of the pathway becomes a symbol of a tangible representation of the commitment to unity and accessibility.

Something that we can notice about this project that goes along the values of “La Città dell’Utopia” and SCI is the commitment to the use of sustainable materials. The project would not have been possible without the help and knowledge of AK0 and their dedication to the sustainable practices. This project is based  on the use of eco-friendly materials for construction, recycling, contributing like this to a reduced ecological footprint.

The importance of community collaboration in the process of “Building Utopias” lies in the fact that apart from creating a physical path between people, we also help create a metaphorical bridge between the people who collaborate in the process; relationships, shared vision, and a sense of collective responsibility. Under the “Building Utopias” project there have been a lot of active workshops, not just hammers and nails, also a lot of learning, discussing and growing as a community. Moments of reflection and self-evaluation are built into the fabric of the project, emphasising the importance of continuous development and the value of the journey in itself.

As the pathways are built, both physically and metaphorically, the impact of “Building Utopias” extends beyond the structures. It spreads into the neighbourhood, igniting discussions about being eco-friendly, ease of access, and the influence of group effort. The initiative acts as a stimulus for modification, motivating other communities to undertake similar ventures. In conclusion, this project is a SCI testament to the dream of a collective, more inclusive world, a unity within the community, a tangible, inclusive and sustainable space for all. The “La Città dell’Utopia” project is filled with community-driven initiatives and the promise of environmental responsibility. As we observe the construction of these pathways we are reminded that the change is always a result of the collective effort taken by everyone who actively takes part.

This article was written by Ángela García Meseguer, the Communication Support Volunteer for SCI Italy.

 Building Utopias is a project of Servizio Civile Internazionale Italia in partnership with SCI Francia, AKP0 and SSD Jordan, funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.