Italian nursery pulling down the walls of a prison
Milan kindergarten welcomes children of detainees, residents
With its warm colours and toy-filled rooms, the Biobab nursery looks just like any other, but this is day care with a difference.
Located in the grounds of Milan’s Bollate prison, the kindergarten welcomes the children of detainees, guards and local residents to what staff describe as an innovative and successful social experiment.
Opened as part of new facilities to improve the well-being of staff, the creche was initially little used with prison employees seemingly reluctant to switch from their established childcare arrangements, prison governor Massimo Parisi told AFP.
As a result, he decided to open it up to the public to an unexpectedly enthusiastic response from the prison’s neighbours.
“It was a big surprise for us, the families round about reacted in a very positive manner and started to bring their children here.
“It was a real breakthrough in terms of overcoming prejudices because obviously there is something quite novel about the idea of bringing your children to a prison.”
‘Breaking down walls’
The arrival of the local kids created a positive effect, their presence making the nursery more attractive for staff.
And since December, the prison has opened a new section to accommodate female inmates and their very young children, who have also joined the thriving creche.
“This mix, with no distinction made between the children, seemed like an original idea that sends a wonderful message about integration and breaking down walls,” Parisi said.
The nursery brings in experts to organise nature and animal-based activities, making use of its large garden and play areas.
Bollate prison, located on the outskirts of Milan, is known for its innovative work in this area, notably through its prisonerstaffed restaurant “In Gallera”, which is open to the public.
In a sign of its success, the 24-place nursery is currently full. Eight places are taken by children from outside the prison,
Prison governor
– AFP