Empowering the Youth: A Day of Sustainability Education and Equestrian Engagement

Teenagers are the generation of the future, and educating them on the importance of sustainability is crucial to ensure a healthy and prosperous planet for future generations. Bringing young people closer to nature, animals, and healthy eating is the first step to make them understand the importance of preserving the environment and adopting sustainable behaviors. This is why the Meraki Association, in collaboration with Grande Impero, a leading company in the field of artisanal baking, and under the patronage of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, organized a day aimed at raising awareness among the younger generations about the constant action taken to reduce waste and educate on nutrition, as well as direct interaction with animals. At the "Isola Sacra" Equestrian Center in Fiumicino, 50 students from the Giovan Battista Grassi Comprehensive Institute gathered to participate in educational and fun workshops on the themes "Returning to healthy habits through nature", "Direct contact with the horse: from play to care" and "Local products as the basis of healthy eating". A day that, thanks to the proximity to nature and a special animal like the horse, made the importance of the origin of food understood, once again valuing the Made in Italy and the quality of its raw materials. The students were welcomed by Monica Picca (Councilor for Social Policies of the Municipality of Fiumicino), Antonella Rizzato (CEO of Glamour Food S.p.a.), Gaia Fancello (Scientific Committee Ass. Meraki) and Nicolò Dolce (Federal Knight). During the day, there was also a greeting from the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida, who greeted the students present and congratulated Antonella Rizzato and Grande Impero for the virtuous production in support of Made in Italy in the field of artisanal baking, valuing natural and genuine products from the Italian territory. The Minister emphasized the importance of the day, which allowed the new generations to learn about the products of the Italian agri-food chain. "We are proud," said Antonella Rizzato, "to have contributed to educating and raising awareness among the young people about the importance of choosing local and genuine products that respect tradition and quality. We thank all the teachers, students, and families who participated in this event and hope that the experience lived will remain in their hearts and minds forever. We will continue to commit ourselves to promote the culture of good food and tradition, carrying forward our mission to valorize the gastronomic heritage of our territory and spread the passion for artisanal baking. Thanks to everyone who supports us and allows us to realize such significant projects for our community." For Monica Picca, it is important "to set up a concerted effort between administration, school, and families to educate the younger generations about the knowledge of natural and food resources. We, as a Municipality, are working on what is the role of the family, the place from where to start preventing any problem. Events like this help us." Gaia Fancello stated: "Creating a welcoming and respectful environment among people and animals is fundamental to the mission that Meraki has to promote a conscious and supportive society. We are convinced that through these experiences, young people can have the opportunity to value diversity, to be empathetic, and to build deeper connections with the world around them. We are excited to share this unique opportunity with them and are sure that it will greatly benefit their personal and social growth path." Nicolò Dolce explained how "horse riding brings us closer to nature and the horse and, above all, teaches us to take care of another living being. We made the boys understand how consistency and commitment are needed to achieve results and build, day after day, a direct relationship with the horse."