AGS (Associazione Giovanile Salesiana) per il Territorio

In line with its statutory mission, AGS promotes awareness of youth-related issues while coordinating local initiatives among its members. The organisation serves as a key interlocutor between the Salesian community, public authorities, schools, and other organisations working towards similar social and educational goals.

Over the years, AGS has developed significant expertise in social policies and youth services through the design and management of educational programmes carried out in partnership with local authorities, public institutions, and schools.

Main areas of intervention include:

• educational support and inclusion programmes for vulnerable young people;

• prevention of school dropout and early school leaving;

• social integration of migrants and unaccompanied foreign minors;

• youth empowerment through life skills development and psychological wellbeing initiatives;

• community-based interventions involving families, schools, and local stakeholders.

The programme involved 9 schools across the Piedmont region, engaging 300 teachers and 415 students, more than half of whom came from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through innovative educational methodologies and experiential learning activities, Maker Lab focused on strengthening key competencies considered essential for personal growth, educational success, and future employability.

The programme promoted the development of:

• decision-making skills;

• problem-solving abilities;

• critical and creative thinking;

• communication skills;

• self-awareness;

• empathy;

• emotional management and wellbeing.

Key Results (2025):

The programme contributed to significant improvements in students' personal and relational development, strengthening autonomy, self-confidence, and social interaction skills.

• Participants demonstrated increased communication abilities and greater confidence in expressing ideas and opinions.

• Students reported improvements in decision-making and personal empowerment, enhancing their capacity to make informed choices regarding their educational and life paths.

• The initiative fostered stronger peer relationships and a greater sense of belonging within school communities.

• The programme confirmed the effectiveness of experiential and collaborative learning approaches in promoting both educational engagement and psychological wellbeing.

Building on the lessons learned, future editions of Maker Lab will introduce peer review mechanisms to strengthen the monitoring of participants’ emotional wellbeing and further improve programme effectiveness.

The new programme, Spazio Labs, targets young people aged 15 to 19 who are at risk of dropping out of school or have already left the education system. Its primary objective is to reduce social exclusion and support young people’s reintegration into education, training, or employment through innovative learning methodologies and integrated educational and psychological support.

Implemented in two neighbourhoods of Turin, the programme offers differentiated pathways tailored to participants’ needs, including:

• year-long reintegration programmes supporting re-entry into education, vocational training, or employment;

• workshops for groups identified as being at risk of educational disengagement;

• extracurricular activities focused on prevention, personal development, and educational support.

A multidisciplinary team composed of educators, psychologists, teachers, and corporate mentors delivers the interventions, ensuring a holistic approach that addresses both educational and personal development needs.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the active involvement of families and local communities, recognising their crucial role in fostering long-term inclusion and positive educational outcomes.

The programme also aims to develop a scalable and sustainable educational model through:

• continuous monitoring and evaluation of participants’ progress and wellbeing;

• structured collaboration among schools, social services, and community organisations;

• development of evidence-based practices for preventing school dropout;

• advocacy activities aimed at raising awareness among institutions and policymakers.

Through this new phase, Spazio Labs seeks to create more inclusive educational opportunities for vulnerable young people, strengthening their resilience, skills, and future prospects while contributing to the development of sustainable community-based solutions to tackle educational poverty and social exclusion.