Rocco Rorandelli
2022
Rocco Rorandelli
2022
Milan. View of the Gratosoglio neighborhood, a commuter district home to approximately 16,000 people.
In Italy, school dropout rates remain alarmingly high—13.1%, compared to the EU average of 9.9%. For many students, the journey to school is not just a physical commute but a daily challenge exacerbated by social and territorial inequalities. WeWorld focuses on transforming “non-places”—like stations, squares, and informal gathering spots—into spaces of connection and education. Through the work of street educators, these forgotten spaces become “educating communities,” offering support to students at risk of dropping out. I documented this initiative in urban peripheries like Milan’s Gratosoglio and Rozzano or Frattamaggiore, near Naples, as well as in rural areas in Abruzzo, where isolation and limited resources create barriers to education.
Milan. The so-called "Piana" of Via Boifava, in the Chiesa Rossa neighborhood in the southern quadrant of the city.
Douae, 16 years old, attends the ITIS Majorana in Avezzano. She dreams of studying computer engineering and leaving Abruzzo.
Frattamaggiore (NA). Two girls during recess at a high school
Avezzano. The town is the main center of the area, attracting thousands of students from neighboring towns, both in Abruzzo and Lazio.
Avezzano (AQ). The Central Bar in Avezzano is a gathering place for some young people attending schools in the Abruzzo town. Street educators attempt to involve local business owners in providing safe and supervised spaces for students frequenting these areas.
Piazzetta Chiesa, Chiesa Rossa
Tommaso, 20 years old, is completing an internship at a peer-to-peer company. He spends 2.5 hours commuting from Buccinasco to Vimercate, waking up at 5:30 a.m. When he was in school, he spent 1 hour commuting in the morning and 1.5 hours returning home.
Road between Carsoli and Avezzano. Every day, thousands of students travel to attend schools in Avezzano.
Martina, 17 years old, dropped out of school and now works at a restaurant in Avezzano.
Naples. One of the so-called "Vele" in the Scampia district. Historically a symbol of neglect and degradation, it now hosts the newly inaugurated university campus of Federico II University.
Vincenzo Ferro, 16 years old, attends the branch of the "Gaetano Filangieri" Secondary School, specializing in Tourism.
Sabrina, 15 years old, she attends ITSOS Albe Steiner and spends over an hour commuting to school.
Along Via dei Misseglia
Near the school complex in the Piazza Abbiategrasso area
