It is one of the biggest schools in the Province of Rome with eight school complexes serving the vast area comprising the coastline north of Rome, From Torrimpietra to Passoscuro and Testa di Lepre, as well as inland areas. The Grandparents on the Internet courses are held in the complex on Via dei Serrenti, a beautiful tree-lined street with a sea breeze. Nine-year-old tutors in grade four welcome the grandparents. Their teachers, Stefania and Cinzia, explain how they manage the project.
Many students have grandparents who live far away, such as Diana whose relatives live in Romania. The web is a precious resource for these new generations to keep in contact with their families. The image of the grandchild appearing on a webcam is an unexpected gift for a far away grandparent.
The schools in this area pay careful attention to the needs of the local community. This, in turn, paved the way for the project to also address very young grandparents as growing familiar with technology is both a personal and strategic professional resource. Maria Pia, for example, is only 45, but she has never had the opportunity to use a computer. She and her husband travel 75 kilometres every week to attend the course.
Maria Pia, who lives near Passo Scuro, is part of the town band in which she plays clarinet. This is also how she met her husband. After getting married, they moved to Tivoli, but once they found out about the computer course, they go back to their school to connect to distant parents, memories and … permanent learning.
