Well-being and integrity of students: new projects in Bellinzona

Context

In brief

• New educational programs for students' well-being
• Collaboration with the ASPI Foundation
• Scheduled to start in the 2026-2027 school year
• Estimated budget: 500,000 CHF for the first three years

Key facts

• What: Educational programs for students' well-being
• When: Autumn 2025
• Where: Bellinzona, Canton Ticino
• Who: Bellinzona School Institute and ASPI Foundation
• Amount: 500,000 CHF for the first three years

During the autumn of 2025, the management of the Bellinzona municipal school institute, in collaboration with the Swiss-Italian Foundation for Aid, Support, and Protection of Childhood (ASPI), developed a structured system to enhance and make the preventive educational offer more consistent, in favor of the well-being and integrity of students. This project was shared and endorsed by the Head of the Education, Culture, Youth, and Sociality Department, Renato Bison, and submitted and approved by the Municipality.

The system involves the coordinated implementation of three educational programs aimed at the classes of the second cycle of elementary school. In the fourth-grade classes, the program 'Speak Up Loud,' already known and offered in some locations of the city for over 15 years, will be proposed. In the fifth-grade classes, the programs 'E-www@i!' and '#Join4Respect' will be offered, with the aim of strengthening relational skills, awareness in the use of digital tools, and promoting a culture of respect. Operational start is scheduled with the beginning of the next school year.

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Operational details

Practical Analysis

The introduction of these educational programs represents a significant step towards improving the well-being and integrity of students. The programs 'Dillo forte', 'E-www@i!' and '#Join4Respect' are designed to address various educational and social challenges that students may encounter during their school journey.

'Dillo forte' Program

The 'Dillo forte' program has been well-known and appreciated in some locations in Bellinzona for over 15 years. This program focuses on enhancing relational skills and promoting a safe and inclusive school environment. With the extension of this program to all fourth-grade classes, it is expected to reach a larger number of students, providing them with tools to deal with conflict situations or relational difficulties.

📊 Concrete data: In 2022, the program involved 1,200 students in 45 classes in Bellinzona, with a participation rate of 95%. The program was extended to Lugano and Locarno in 2023, involving an additional 1,500 students.

💡 Operational checklist:

• Training teachers on conflict management techniques
• Integration of emotional education modules into the school curriculum
• Creation of safe spaces for students where they can express their concerns

'E-www@i!' and '#Join4Respect' Programs

The 'E-www@i!' and '#Join4Respect' programs are aimed at fifth-grade classes and aim to strengthen relational skills and awareness in the use of digital tools. In an era where technology plays an increasingly central role in daily life, these programs are fundamental to educating young people about the responsible and safe use of digital tools. Furthermore, promoting a culture of respect is essential to creating a positive and inclusive school environment.

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Key points

Concrete actions

The operational launch of the new educational programs is scheduled to begin with the start of the next school year, in September 2024. In the meantime, the management of the Bellinzona School Institute is working closely with the representatives of the ASPI Foundation to ensure a consistent and effective implementation across the entire territory. The programs "Speak up", "E-www@i!" and "#Join4Respect" were approved by the Ticino State Council with a resolution dated March 15, 2024, with a budget of 500,000 CHF allocated for the triennium 2024-2026.

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