THROUGH YOUR EYES

THROUGH YOUR EYES is a communication project developed by the Italian Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Italian Institute of Health and addressed to schools. Its main purpose is to implement inclusion practices for fragile children in the classrooms and to raise awareness of rare diseases as a public health issue. During the school year 2013/2014, two classes of primary school pupils (7 to 8 years of age) were encouraged to an interactive and empathic approach to the themes of integration.  Children worked together in groups as the ‘brainstorming’ technique was employed by the multidisciplinary team supporting them.They took part in art and writing laboratories and their drawings were re-elaborated by  Vera Puoti a well-known digital artist. The story of Roby and his friends started and it got launched in a book and as video tale. It has now also been translated into English for an ebooK. The videotale fostered the dissemination of many issues and information regarding rare diseases. Last Rare Disease Day was introduced by a Papal Audience, during which patients were received and blessed by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square. The event attracted prominent coverage by media and contributed to hold the attention on rare diseases. CON GLI OCCHI TUOI itself was given as a gift to the Pope.