Community Stewardship Day | How it was
An Opinion Piece Written by the Umbra Reps of Fall 2026
A Community Comes Together
Giornata della Custodia (part of the Settimana della Custodia event promoted by the town of Perugia) was a day filled with community and positive energy all around. Everyone was involved, from elementary school kids to community elders. It was a beautiful day out on Wednesday afternoon. My class ended a couple of minutes late. Hence, I had to hurry and make my way to Piazza Monteluce. It took me a couple of minutes to get there and I was a little late. Still, I’m glad that on my way there I kept running into lines of little kids probably ranging from ages 5 to 8 being escorted back to school by their teachers. The kids looked excited and full of energy.
Hopes and Wishes for the Piazza
As I passed them I kept wondering where they had just come from it wasn’t until later when I arrived at Monteluce that I was told about the kids who had written down on pieces of paper their hopes, desires, and wishes for the Piazza; That I realized the kids I passed were the same ones who were present minutes before, writing things down wishing for the happiness of everyone who visits the Piazza. Wishing for a playground to be constructed and wanting grand things that only kids with that kind of imagination would desire.
Taking Part
I helped repot a young olive tree and helped in tying the paper to the trees. As I did I noticed the sense of community that the people who were around me had built with each other laughing, cracking jokes, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. It had also been nice getting to know better and meet some of the other people that are currently attending Umbra Institute.
A Lasting Impact
I loved seeing the way people cared for each other and had interest in caring for the community around them. The beautification of Perugia’s public spaces wasn’t something that I thought would impact me in a major way but I’m happy to say that it has and will stay with me for a very long time.