Lottomatica Foundation presents the Second Report FAST
On Wednesday, November 19, Lottomatica Foundation organized a round table discussion dedicated to two central issues for the future of the country: early childhood services and the declining birth rate. During the meeting, the Second Report on the FAST Agenda, illustrated by Prof. Maurizio Ferrera and Dr. Simone Manfredi, was presented in the presence of representatives of institutions, the third sector and numerous stakeholders involved in birth and social policy issues, and the new SWG research on (de)birth rates.
The Second Report FAST: children’s services as a resource for communities
The Second Report FAST – “Early childhood services and social capital: a virtuous circle for building community” – shows, through a quantitative and qualitative survey conducted throughout the country, how preschools can become true reference points for families and territories.
The study offers some insights into the role of 0-3 year old educational services in the work-life balance of families. By becoming true community hubs, these have the capacity to:
- Fostering relationships, exchanges and mutual support among parents;
- Support children’s growth in the early years of life;
- Increase local social capital, creating more cohesive and inclusive communities;
- Countering educational and social inequalities.
On the last point, the research confirms the presence of strong territorial differences, especially between the North-Central and South, in both the supply and quality of educational services: where social capital is stronger, services tend to be more widespread and inclusive; where it is weaker, supply is more fragile or uneven.
See the full FAST 2 report.
Italians on denatality: the results of SWG research
Along with an in-depth look at the childcare system, the SWG research, conducted for Lottomatica Foundation, analyzes the opinions of the Italian population with respect to the demographic crisis.
A clear picture emerges from the survey: for two out of three Italians, having children is a gesture of great social responsibility, but at the same time a choice perceived as complex, influenced by economic, cultural and personal factors.
Among the main brakes on birth rate indicated by respondents, the following emerge:
- economic and wage insecurity;
- The uncertainty generated by international crises and global changes;
- a perception of insufficient welfare, especially on the front of services for families;
- The difficulty in balancing parenting, career and personal time.
The declining birth rate is of deep concern: three out of four Itali ans fear that, in the absence of concrete action, Italy will have severe difficulties in the pension system, health care and economic growth. Younger people look to the future with the fear of a less dynamic and innovative country.
The Foundation’s commitment to families
With the joint presentation of the two reports, Lottomatica Foundation confirms its willingness to contribute to the debate on the country’s social challenges, focusing on families, services, communities and birth rates.
The goal is to promote analyses and initiatives that can help territories strengthen their support network, creating more favorable conditions for those who decide to become parents and building contexts in which children and families can grow in a peaceful and inclusive way.
Find out about all of Lottomatica Foundation’s initiatives.
