Empowering Education: An Innovative Strategy to Combat Educational Poverty through Cultural Care

The Cultural Care project, supported by the organization Con i Bambini, targets vulnerable children and families in Italy, aiming to promote social inclusion through culture as a tool for personal growth. The project aligns with the fight against social inequality by offering educational and cultural initiatives designed to reduce social exclusion, foster intercultural understanding, preserve cultural identity, and support families in improving their well-being. Through this initiative, the project not only helps families facing hardship but also promotes dialogue, respect, and appreciation for cultural diversity, contributing to a more cohesive and aware community. Grounded in the capability approach by Amartya Sen (1999; 1985; 2009) and Martha Nussbaum (2000; 2011), the project goes beyond providing material resources, focusing instead on expanding individuals’ capabilities—their genuine opportunities to choose and pursue lives they find meaningful. Cultural Fostering offers access to relational and cultural goods such as educational experiences, museum visits, and participation in cultural events, allowing vulnerable children and families to develop creativity and expression. This approach is also informed by the concept of creative goods as discussed by Scitovschi (1976), who emphasizes creativity not only as an individual process but as a collective good that can foster social integration, enhance well-being, and promote intercultural interaction. The study explores how Cultural Fostering contributes to combating educational poverty, reducing social and economic inequalities (Stiglitz, 2012; Putnam, 2000), and breaking the cycle of poverty passed down through generations. By enhancing cultural capital, stimulating personal growth, and strengthening social bonds, the project supports the development of skills and aspirations while fostering a sense of personal and collective identity. In doing so, it creates opportunities for greater social participation, psychological well-being, and long-term improvements in the quality of life, ultimately promoting a more inclusive society where cultural pluralism is valued and celebrated. Research question: “How does the project contribute to reducing social and economic inequalities and interrupting the cycle of poverty passed down from generation to generation?” This theoretical study is both innovative and original, as it combines the capability approach with cultural nurturing to address educational deprivation and social inequality. The study is grounded in the analysis of a practical case study, which provides real-world insights into the application of these concepts.