The Joy of “Caring”

by Patrizia Capone

For the past few years, the Antognozzi Foundation has been promoting and financially supporting a social project in Rome called Punto Studio all’Opera. This initiative offers afternoon assistance with schoolwork to children and teenagers who vary in age, educational background, and nationality, yet share a common need for guidance and support in their studies.
The support activities take place at the Nostra Signora di Fatima Center in Villa Troili, Rome, under the care of the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Specifically, the project is carried out by the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with the collaboration of seminarian Servants of the I.H.M. and lay volunteers—myself included.

From the very first time I began helping the children and teens with their homework, I was reminded of the powerful phrase written on the door of Don Lorenzo Milani’s famous school in Barbiana: “I care.” That phrase perfectly captures the spirit of the afternoons spent at the after-school program. It’s all about caring—supporting the students through their difficulties, listening to them as they review their lessons, or simply being present when they feel like sharing a bit of their personal lives.

As often happens in volunteer work, what one receives is far greater than what one gives. There’s a shared joy in solving a math exercise together or overcoming a challenge.
There’s joy, too, in being greeted with a smile by the students and in the trusting relationships that slowly form day by day. In the end, they all become a little like your own children. And just like with one’s own children, you learn to balance firmness and gentleness, so that even in moments of camaraderie, the primary goal remains clear: to complete the assigned homework with the support of people who care. People who care not only about school performance but also about helping each child discover the immense value of learning in their growth and development.

But the after-school program at Villa Troili isn’t just about studying. During breaks, the students enjoy a snack, play together, and interact in a serene, welcoming atmosphere—an environment that is safe, colorful, and pleasant, where there’s always a “positive message” inspired by a spirit of faith and service to others, which is the very foundation of this social project.

So, a heartfelt thank you to the Antognozzi Foundation, which has made Punto Studio all’Opera possible—a much-needed service for children, teenagers, and their families, who might otherwise have to rely on costly private tutoring.

Thanks also to the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for involving me in this project and giving me the opportunity to experience the deep joy that comes from truly caring.