Learning about the volcano, understanding bradyseism, and dealing with earthquakes with greater awareness. This is the goal of "Voices from the Volcano," a two-year project supported by the National Geographic Society through the Meridian Grant Program and promoted by the nonprofit SeedScience, with the patronage of the Municipality of Pozzuoli.
The initiative will begin on September 16th, with the start of the new school year, and will involve 70 second-year students from the Diano and Pergolesi 2 middle schools in Pozzuoli.
The journey will combine scientific dissemination with reflection on emotions and personal experiences, using storytelling and photography as tools to explore the relationship with the local area.
During the first few days of school, students will be asked to anonymously write down their doubts, curiosities, and fears related to the volcano. These questions will guide subsequent meetings with researchers and volcanology experts.
A second phase of the project will be dedicated to collecting testimonies from family members and communities, with the aim of building a collective narrative of the area and strengthening the relationship between citizens and the scientific community.
"In an area that is once again experiencing a delicate phase," explains project leader Giulia Barfucci, "we believe it's even more important to offer young people a space where they can ask questions, discuss, express their experiences, and build tools to better understand the area they live in."
The project will also focus on the ability to distinguish reliable information from unreliable sources, especially in times of emergency. "We will also work on analyzing information and sources so that students learn to identify reliable channels to turn to, even in times of emergency," adds Barfucci.
The materials produced by the students during the course will finally flow into a site-specific exhibition, scheduled for May 2028.
