Educational trail 'Here...then' in Giubiasco: a journey through time

Context

In brief

• Educational trail with 18 panels in Giubiasco
• Collaboration between Associazione Quartiere and elementary schools
• Comparison between Giubiasco of yesterday and today
• Active involvement of 120 students
• Investment of 25,000 CHF

Key facts

• What: Educational trail 'Here... then'
• When: Recently completed (June 2023)
• Where: Giubiasco, Borghetto
• Who: Associazione Quartiere Giubiasco and elementary schools
• Amount: 18 display panels
• Budget: 25,000 CHF
• Participants: 120 students

GIUBIASCO - An invitation to rediscover the village through the lens of time. Named “Here… then,” the project was promoted by the Associazione Quartiere of Giubiasco in collaboration with the village’s elementary schools, recently completed with the installation of the last totem in the heart of Borghetto. The initiative offers a trail composed of 18 display panels that, through vintage photographs, provide a suggestive comparison between Giubiasco of yesterday and today. The trail begins at Piazza Grande and extends along Borghetto to Viale Olgiati, guiding citizens and visitors on a journey to discover the evolution of the territory.

📊 Data and numbers

• Trail length: 1.2 km
• Panels: 18, each with a vintage photograph and a current one
• Students involved: 120, divided into 6 classes
• Project duration: 12 months (July 2022 to June 2023)
• Total cost: 25,000 CHF, funded by Società Commercianti Giubiasco e dintorni (15,000 CHF) and the City of Bellinzona (10,000 CHF)

💡 Operational checklist

• Phase 1: Collection of vintage photographs (municipal archives and private collections)
• Phase 2: Comparison with current photographs (elementary schools)
• Phase 3: Drafting of explanatory texts (historian Daniele Bollini)
• Phase 4: Installation of panels (June 2023)

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Operational details

Practical implications for cross-border workers

The 'Here...then' path represents a unique opportunity for cross-border workers living or working in Giubiasco to deepen their knowledge of the territory in which they operate. Through the comparison between historical images and the current reality, cross-border workers can gain a greater awareness of the transformations that have characterized the village over time. This can foster a sense of belonging and identification with the territory, improving the quality of life and social integration.

📊 Relevant data:

• In 2023, approximately 12,000 cross-border workers work in Ticino, 1,500 of whom are in Giubiasco alone.
• According to a 2022 survey, 65% of cross-border workers in Ticino feel more integrated when they participate in local cultural activities.

Comparison between past and present

The educational path offers a detailed comparison between yesterday's Giubiasco and today's. For example, some places are still easily recognizable, while others appear profoundly changed. This comparison can stimulate reflections on urban change and the dynamics of territorial development. Furthermore, the path can be a useful educational tool for the children of cross-border workers, who can thus discover the history and traditions of the place where they live.

💡 Concrete examples:

• The Church of San Pietro has remained almost unchanged since 1900, while the Giubiasco Station has undergone significant transformations, with the addition of new tracks and modern structures.
• The Giubiasco Sports Centre, inaugurated in 1985, has recently been renovated with an investment of 2.5 million CHF.

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Key points

What to do to participate

To participate in the educational path 'Qui...allora' in Giubiasco, cross-border workers and their families can visit the Borghetto di Giubiasco, a historic area located in the municipality of Giubiasco, in the Canton of Ticino. The path is freely accessible and does not require booking. You can visit the Borghetto at any time of the day, but for an optimal experience, it is recommended to participate during daylight hours, especially in the summer period, when the sun best illuminates the architectural details and the vintage photographs on display.

For further information, you can consult the website of the Associazione Quartiere di Giubiasco or contact the association directly by email or telephone. Moreover, the path is also accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, thanks to the presence of flat paths and the absence of architectural barriers.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Go to Giubiasco, in the Borghetto, located at Via Borghetto 1, 6512 Giubiasco. 2. Start the path from Piazza Grande, the starting point of the route. 3. Follow the display panels along the route, which show vintage photographs and historical information. 4. Compare the vintage photographs with the current reality, noting the urban and social transformations. 5. Deep dive into the information provided by the in-depth content, which includes historical data, anecdotes, and curiosities. 6. Share the experience with friends and family, perhaps organizing a group visit.

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