Between stove and foosball: my year at Scalabrini House 634
by Laura
My experience as a SCU at Scalabrini House has been very positive and meaningful. During this time, I had the opportunity to spend time with both the families and the boys in the facility. This allowed me to learn more about their stories, listen to their experiences and understand more about their life journey.
Casa Scalabrini is located near Torpignattara, a multiethnic area where different cultures, languages and traditions meet. This context also made the experience even richer, because every day there was an opportunity to meet people from different countries with very different stories. By talking to them I understood that each person has a different story and often difficulties as well. This helped me put myself in their shoes and see things from another point of view, with more understanding and empathy.
During my civil service, which took place during the Jubilee period, I also had the opportunity to meet many young people from different countries. Especially during the Youth Jubilee, I met many people, sharing moments of encounter, dialogue and cultural exchange that made this experience even more meaningful.
I spent a lot of time at Scalabrini House together with the boys. We often spent our days between games of foosball, moments of chatting, and time spent together in the kitchen. I enjoyed cooking with them and preparing typical dishes from their countries-it was a simple but very nice way to learn more about their traditions and cultures. During the parties and community times we had a lot of fun. On those occasions I also got to know kids who had lived in the house in the past and other people who attend classes organized in the facility.
The classes are taught by volunteers, and sometimes I have also taken part to lend a hand and offer my help when needed. Through this experience, I have learned things that I did not know before. In particular, I realized how important it is to be able to listen to others, be more sensitive and understand each person’s frailty.
I will take with me what I learned at Casa Scalabrini, because it was an experience that made me grow a lot both personally and humanly.
I recommend this community service experience with ASCS to those who want to get involved and experience a year full of encounters and sharing. It is an opportunity to get closer to different realities, meet people from many countries and actively participate in community life. It is a very enriching journey that leaves important memories and lessons.
