Four purple benches have been placed in different school buildings in Polla, in the province of Salerno, in an initiative promoted jointly by the municipality, through its schools office, and the local school system.
Pupils from preschool, primary, lower-secondary and upper-secondary levels took part, according to ANSA. Their work included decorations, posters, readings and short theatrical performances centred on listening, welcome, respect and attention to others.
The unveiling took place on 13 November, World Kindness Day, with students contributing artwork, posters, readings and performances. School principal Daniela Natalino and teaching staff contributed to the initiative alongside the municipality.
Each bench carries the phrase “Siedi qui e abbi cura di un gesto gentile.” The benches also carry QR codes linking to information about the initiative and related community practices.
The installations are connected to the national “Costruiamo Gentilezza” project. The project describes the purple bench as a symbol of kindness, says benches may be placed in schools, should carry a kindness message, may involve children, and are preferably inaugurated publicly.
Polla mayor Massimo Loviso said the aim is to make kindness a daily practice based on respect, listening and attention to others, according to ANSA. The benches are intended to remain permanently in the schools as a visible reminder of that shared educational commitment by the municipality and schools.
