On Tuesday 28 January 2025, the Istituto San Pietro Canisio in Riva San Vitale hosted the inauguration of the Comunità Arco, the new residential sociotherapeutic centre, the only one of its kind in Italian-speaking Switzerland and dedicated to adolescents (between 15 and 18 years old) who are dealing with psychological fragility. The facility will be able to accommodate nine girls and boys in boarding and one in day care.
It is joined by the Ph2020 project for the care of the so-called 'hikikomori', those young people who drop out of school or work and gradually withdraw from social relationships, developmental challenges and their responsibilities by spending their daily lives inside their room, in total or partial isolation. "An event - remarked the director Simone Maritan, during the ribbon cutting - not only formal, but a symbol of commitment and dedication of many educators towards the care and well-being of our young people. The growing number of requests we receive makes us think that today more than ever this community is a concrete response to the needs of the Ticino territory". Also present was the apostolic administrator bishop, Monsignor Alain de Raemy, who wanted to bless the new structure, recalling that the blessing is "to speak well of those who commit themselves and dedicate themselves to others through works of Christian charity".