"Street Teachers" helping at-risk young people in Naples | DW Documentary

Deadly Gang Violence in Central Naples: Street Teachers Intervention

Key Concepts: Camorra (Neapolitan Mafia), Maestri di Strada (Street Teachers), marginalized youth, school dropout rates, gang violence, holistic approach, mentorship, social inclusion, vocational training, theater workshops, community engagement, alternative education.

1. The Problem: Youth Marginalization and Camorra Recruitment

• Gang Violence: The video opens with a stark example of Camorra gang violence: a 15-year-old killed in a shootout in central Naples. This highlights the dangerous environment many young people face.
• Poverty and Lack of Opportunity: Ponticelli, in eastern Naples, is characterized by poverty, gang violence, and a lack of opportunities. This creates a breeding ground for crime.
• High Dropout Rates: Up to 35% of young people in areas like Ponticelli drop out of school, leaving them vulnerable to recruitment by the Camorra.
• Camorra Recruitment: The Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, actively recruits young people from marginalized communities, often leading them to commit armed robberies. Weapons seized from minors are presented as evidence.

2. The Solution: Maestri di Strada (Street Teachers)

• Organization's Goal: The Maestri di Strada (Street Teachers) aim to prevent tragedies like the 15-year-old's death by providing marginalized young people with opportunities beyond organized crime.
• Holistic Approach: The Street Teachers use a holistic approach, engaging the students' bodies and minds to change classroom relationships and address underlying anger and challenges.
• Individual and Classroom Support: Support is offered at both the classroom and individual levels. They work with the whole class to integrate students with particular difficulties.
• Alternative Education: The Street Teachers offer an alternative to traditional schooling, encouraging young people to open up and express themselves without fear of judgment.
• Respect within the Community: The Street Teachers are respected in Camorra-dominated neighborhoods, even by gang members, because they offer their children a chance for a different life.

3. Case Study: Francesco

• Background: Francesco is a 17-year-old who was involved with the Street Teachers for several years. He had a history of making trouble in school and was on a negative path.
• Mentorship: Francesco credits his mentor, Maria Rivitti, with helping him change his behavior. He describes their relationship as being even better than the one he has with his grandmother.
• Vocational Training: Through the Street Teachers, Francesco discovered a passion for cooking and completed a year-long cooking course. This allowed him to transfer to a vocational school for hotel management.
• Progress: Francesco is now attending school regularly and working to catch up on his studies. He has plans to open his own restaurant or patisserie in the future.
• Maria's Role: Maria provides Francesco with stability, guidance, and support. She helps him with his homework, encourages him to stay in school, and teaches him valuable life skills.

4. Case Study: Concita

• Background: Concita lives in a neighborhood nicknamed "The Bronx" and attends a high school specializing in fashion design.
• Theater Workshop: Concita participates in a theater workshop run by Nicola Laieta, which has helped her become more open and outgoing.
• Inspiration: The play she's rehearsing, Lysistrata, is inspiring her fashion designs.
• Parental Support: Concita's parents sent her to the theater group to protect her from negative influences in the neighborhood. They are happy with the positive changes they have seen in her.
• Future Aspirations: Concita dreams of a career in the fashion industry or as an actress.

5. Cesare Moreno and the Organization's Challenges

• Founder's Vision: Cesare Moreno, the 78-year-old founder of the Street Teachers, is dedicated to providing opportunities for marginalized youth.
• Funding: The organization is funded by the state and private donations.
• Succession Planning: Cesare is concerned about who will succeed him in the role and emphasizes the importance of responsibility and organizational skills.
• Infrastructure Issues: The Street Teachers' headquarters is located in a dilapidated former school building with a leaking roof, highlighting the lack of resources available to the organization.
• Government Response: Cesare criticizes the government's harsh response to truancy, arguing that it punishes parents without addressing the underlying issues. He refers to the law as "fascist."
• Crisis Management: Cesare attends a crisis meeting at a school following the death of a 15-year-old student in a gang shooting. He finds the atmosphere tense and accusatory.

6. Theater Workshop Methodology

• Relaxation and Focus: The theater workshop begins with activities designed to help students relax and set aside their frustrations.
• Smartphone Ban: Students are required to hand in their smartphones to avoid distractions.
• Authenticity and Connection: The workshop aims to help students find something authentic within themselves and bring them closer together.
• Peer Support: Young people are encouraged to connect with their peers and form their own "families."
• Rehearsing Lysistrata: The students are rehearsing Lysistrata, a comedy by Aristophanes, which allows them to explore themes of rebellion and social change.

7. Podcast Project

• Purpose: The Street Teachers are creating a podcast to showcase the work of young people in their workshops and attract new participants.
• Community Engagement: They are putting up posters in Ponticelli to advertise the podcast and encourage young people to listen.
• Content: The podcast will feature music, interviews, and discussions on topics relevant to young people.

8. Conclusion

The Street Teachers of Naples are working to combat gang violence and provide opportunities for marginalized youth. Through mentorship, vocational training, theater workshops, and community engagement, they are helping young people like Francesco and Concita find a path towards a brighter future. Despite facing challenges such as limited funding, infrastructure issues, and a harsh government response, the Street Teachers remain committed to their mission of empowering young people and creating a more just and equitable society. The video emphasizes the importance of alternative education models that focus on cooperation, togetherness, and individual growth rather than solely on academic performance.