First they entered the magical position of the Planetarium to look at the stars, then they were allowed to simulate aerial navigation, finally they were accompanied on a boat tour in the port area: last November 4th they will remember it as a day full of emotions, some of the guests of the day center and of the two apartment groups belonging to the Nickan social cooperative, chaired by Antonella Denitto, which since 2010 has been dealing with psychiatric rehabilitation in the Brindisi area in support of patients suffering from psycho-social problems.
Thanks to the collaboration of the head teacher of the Carnaro-Marconi-Flacco-Belluzzi Comprehensive Institute and Professor Ruggero Blasi, around twenty girls and boys chosen from among the users of the facilities managed by the cooperative were able to visit the planetarium and talk about constellations, myths and legends with Professor Carmelo Pacifico, professor at Carnaro and Dr. Francesca Panessa, a scientist from Brindisi working at the National Institute of Astrophysics in Rome. Subsequently the Nickan users faced flight simulations assisted by technical assistants Fabio Fazzi and Danilo Durante. The day ended with a boat ride together with technical assistant Giacomo Portolano on the school’s motorboat, starting from Lega Navale.
“We intend to thank the school for the opportunity it has offered us, supporting our children with teachers and technicians who welcomed them with availability and professionalism. And we sincerely thank Dr. Panessa, who did not limit herself to being present at the Planetarium, but accompanied us in all the activities in which our children were involved, demonstrating that she believes in the project we have set up”, declares the president of the Nickan.
“The kids were interested and interacted well, especially in the more practical activities. Getting out of the community and opening up to the outside world is very important for our users, who tend to isolate themselves and withdraw into themselves. But we also plan these activities because it is important to stimulate these people on a cognitive level, making them think and pushing them to ask questions”, adds Daniela, one of the operators.
Doctor Panessa’s experience with the Nickam kids, however, does not end with November 4th: a new appointment is scheduled in which the astrophysicist from Brindisi will meet the Nickan users directly in the cooperative’s offices to talk in a more detailed about his profession.
Marina Poci
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