The recent collaboration between the Giuseppe Mazzini Middle School in Rome and gisAction closed in a remarkable project that engaged students in a deep exploration of homelessness in their local community. The project, titled Hobo Sapiens, was designed to not only educate but also empower the students by giving them the tools and knowledge to conduct real-world research and storytelling for the homeless people at Rome
Project Overview
Launched during the 2021-2022 school year and resumed the following school year as well, the Hobo Sapiens project involved approximately 180 students from the Mazzini Middle School. These young learners embarked on a journey to understand and document the lives of homeless people, a significant issue in the neighborhoods surrounding their school, including Colle Oppio, Monti, and Esquilino. The project was designed to be hands-on, with students participating in outdoor lessons, engaging with local homeless communities, and working closely with various associations dedicated to helping those in need.
Learning and Activities
Throughout the project, students were trained to use advanced digital tools for data collection and storytelling. They learned to use applications such as QuickCapture and Survey123, which are part of the ArcGIS platform. These tools enabled them to collect data, take photographs, and conduct interviews in the field. The project was divided into three phases:
1. Training and Preparation: Students received training on using the data collection applications and creating maps. Teachers were also trained on the ArcGIS platform to support the students’ work.
2. Fieldwork: The students made two field trips to Colle Oppio, where they conducted interviews with homeless individuals and passersby. They also visited and collaborated with local organizations such as CivicoZero, Nonna Roma, and Sant’Egidio, which are active in supporting the homeless community.
3. StoryMap Creation: After gathering data and insights from the field, the students worked on creating a StoryMap. This digital narrative combined their photos, drawings, and maps, providing a comprehensive and personal account of their findings and reflections.
Impact and Innovation
The Hobo Sapiens project stands out for its innovative approach to education, blending digital technology with social awareness. The use of StoryMaps and data collection tools in a school setting allowed students to engage with a critical social issue in a meaningful way, showing that technology can be a powerful tool for giving a voice to those who are often unheard. Moreover, the project fostered a sense of empathy and civic responsibility among the students.
The collaboration between Giuseppe Mazzini Middle School and gisAction provided a unique educational experience that combined technology, social engagement, and creative storytelling. The project not only enriched the students’ learning but also contributed to raising awareness about homelessness in their community.
Who we Worked with
The Fondazione Paolo Bulgari, established in 2019 by Paolo Bulgari and his wife, focuses on combating educational inequality and supporting youth, particularly in Rome’s sensitive neighborhoods. Its key initiative, the CRESCO project, collaborates with local entities to rejuvenate educational opportunities in underprivileged areas. The foundation also runs Tornasole, aimed at educational innovation during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. These projects emphasize community collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance schooling, culture, and employment opportunities.
