A nationwide project targeting primary school to build a culture of respect from childhood and prevent the roots of violence and discrimination.
It is a national educational program that brings to Italian primary schools:
“Storie Spaziali per Maschi del Futuro – Scuola Edition” is an initiative of the Libellula Foundation, developed with bestselling author Francesca Cavallo, which takes preventive action on the cultural roots of violence and discrimination.
It represents one of the first large-scale Italian experiences in primary school and has already involved over 12,500 girls and boys and more than 5,000 teachers throughout Italy.
The course is based on a structured educational kit that brings to the classroom the stories from the book Space Stories for Future Males, accompanied by educational and workshop activities. It is completed by a teacher training course accredited on the SOFIA ministerial platform.
At birth, males and females behave the same way, but the differences emerge as early as 12 months and are consolidated by 4 years.*
Family, school, middle school, and books often convey a divided worldview: males are associated with dominance, strength, and distance from emotions; females with control, care, and beauty.
Educational narratives and models are not neutral: they help build the foundations of inequalities and possible future violence. Offering girls and boys role models free from gender stereotypes means helping them recognize the value of equality, respect emotions, and build relationships grounded in freedom and listening.
Changing this narrative is a collective responsibility, which can begin precisely with education.
*AstraResearchResearch for INC Non Profit Lab (2024), “Before It’s Too Late”.
The project travels across Italy with a national roadshow, bringing an educational experience dedicated to emotion, respect, and gender equality to primary schools.
After its presentation to the Camera dei Deputati, the tour stops in several cities –including Milan, Rome and Galatina – directly involving girls and boys in experiential workshops led by Francesca Cavallo and the Libellula Foundation team.
Through the language of stories and storytelling, the initiative helps build a culture of respect that starts in childhood and involves the entire community.
A model that has already gained the patronage of the European Commission and the local institutions involved in the roadshow, and which was born with the ambition of being replicated internationally as well.
Participating schools will be selected until available places are filled.
