Ms. Erika Sessi applied for planting. Ms. Erika has been engaging in activities since 2010 with local government to increase green spaces in the city, and launched the project called “Natura in Gioco.” Through this project, she has met Margherita Vizio, a manager of the fashion brand ESPRIT and organizer of “Il Mondo di Pippi.” Two of them decide to cooperate and join the Kaki Tree Project.
“Il Mondo di Pippi” is an event created for children, family and schools, and it aims to raise awareness of issues of peace through entertainment and plays. Every year, thousands of children participate in the event with their schools and family.
During Fiera Millenaria di Gonzaga, which was held from 31 October through 3 November 2013, “Il Mondo di Pippi” and “Natura in Gioco” dedicated a special space for the Kaki Tree Project. The “Peace Tree” contest was held to choose schools, which take care of the three trees of peace. Children freely expressed the given specific theme with dried kaki leaves and simple materials during the workshops conducted by Erika Sessi and Carlotta Casacci.
The schools chosen were, Silvano D’orba Kindergarten in Alessandria, Mirandola Kindergarten in Modena, and Bagnolo San Vito Primary School in Montova. Children worked together on under the guidance of teachers Paola Mancuso, Sara Cremonte and Marina Garbarino, and named their peace tree “Panello.”
On 19 March 2014, a huge party was held to celebrate the arrival of Panello in Silvano D’orba. Mayor Silvana Maggiolino, Father Don Sandro, Prof. Felice Arlotta, the director of the Comprehensive School, and Mr. Giovanni Calderone representing the cultural association “IR Bargiu” as well as children from Silvano D’orba nursery and primary schools and a number of parents attended. The mayor, priest, director, Mr. Calderone and a few parents read the fairytale of the peace tree in turn so that everyone could learn this moving story. Afterward, the children sang and danced for Panello, and the priest also gave his blessings to the tree. All attendees could join help planting Panello. At the end of the celebration, the children received the presents sent from Japan by the Kaki Tree Project Head Office and read the message from Dr. Ebinuma.
