Focus Area
Humanitarian Relief
Location
Sarnano, Italy – Macerata, Marche Region
Beneficiaries
100 local students, families, and the broader community of ~3,268 residents
Safavi's Role
Partner-supported initiative
Key Impact
Reconstruction of the only secondary school in Sarnano using modern, anti-seismic construction techniques following the Central Italy earthquakes
Project Overview
Giacomo Leopardi School Rebuild
After a series of devastating earthquakes struck Central Italy in 2016, the town of Sarnano faced significant infrastructure damage—including the closure of its only secondary school due to safety concerns. To help restore educational access, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) and Only the Brave Foundation launched a joint initiative to rebuild the Giacomo Leopardi Secondary School. Safavi Philanthropic Initiative provided funding support to this effort, helping to re-establish normalcy for local students and families.
The initiative aimed to construct a safe, fully equipped, and anti-seismic learning facility—delivered as a turnkey solution to local authorities.
Beneficiary Profile
The project directly benefits approximately 100 students enrolled in the Giacomo Leopardi Secondary School and the broader population of Sarnano (3,268 residents). The earthquake displaced families and disrupted education; this initiative helped restore access to essential services and offered the community renewed stability and future outlook.
Safavi's Role
Safavi Philanthropic Initiative contributed as a funding partner in this joint effort. The initiative was led by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation in coordination with:
Only the Brave Foundation
The Extraordinary Commissioner of the Italian Government for Reconstruction
Municipality of Sarnano
Safavi’s involvement supported the broader mission to provide post-earthquake recovery assistance through education infrastructure rebuilding.
Project Gallery
Photo Credit: Beneficiary
Impact Achieved
Thanks to support from its partners, including Safavi:
A new secondary school was constructed using anti-seismic design standards
Educational activities resumed for 100 students
The project restored continuity of education and provided a psychological and social anchor for the town’s youth
Coordination with government and private sector ensured timely and accountable execution
Purpose & Signifigance
This initiative aligns with Safavi’s mission to support human development in post-crisis contexts, especially in areas where education serves as a cornerstone for long-term community recovery. Helping to rebuild Sarnano’s only secondary school provided an immediate and tangible contribution to restoring dignity and opportunity for local youth after a traumatic event.
Future Outlook
The new school building is designed to endure future seismic risks and serve generations of students. Safavi’s role in this project was a part of a broader vision of resilient education access and continues to monitor future opportunities for collaboration in rebuilding efforts, youth empowerment, and infrastructure resilience across affected regions.
