On day 1

The Arsenale dell'Armonia is located on the hill of Turin, surrounded by greenery. The beauty of nature envelops you: from fiery dawns to starry skies, the woods all around and the colors of the vegetable garden that change according to the seasons. You overlook the city below, surrounded by mountains and find yourself embraced by the Sacra di San Michele on one side and the Don Bosco hill on the other! You immediately understand that you cannot keep such a marvel for yourself alone, but share it.

For this reason, the project Life for Children was born in 2016, aimed at minors suffering from serious pathologies who arrive from abroad and who remain here for the period of treatment.
Then we also wanted to share this beauty with those in our society who are marginalized a bit. This is why the Sapori dell'Eremo project was born five years ago. A pastry shop that produces fantastic biscuits, cakes, ice creams, with a very special team: a pastry chef, an apprentice, volunteers and then an educator and two young people with disabilities hired and trained as pastry chefs.
For three years, ten adults with cognitive difficulties have been included who experience this particular working sector with us.

But now a new road is opening, another dream is growing in this house!
We would like to extend the possibility of experiencing the Hermitage as a real "home" to more people. A place where the person can be put at the centre. Where everyone shares their potential, personal skills, complexities and dreams! All those who arrive here, whether they are disabled, young, volunteers, professionals, are asked to make themselves available, with a good dose of creativity, to carry on all sectors of the house together.

And so – last January – day 1 finally arrived! We met and introduced ourselves! Between looks full of desire and uncertain steps we went around the house, down to the vegetable garden and up to the top of the tower, laying the foundations for mutual knowledge. Among those who want to cook, those who are passionate about animals, those who document everything by photographing to go beyond words, and those who want to eat biscuits! In their educators the hope of being able to offer a truly beautiful opportunity!
And then the heart gallops a bit! There are difficulties, but they are an opportunity to understand that it will be possible!
We still don't know exactly how and how long it will take to find a balance, but in the meantime we have begun to look each other in the eye and – without hesitation – we have taken the first step together!


Susanna De Stefanis
NP February 2023