Social Performance, Choice and Opportunity in the Community: A Shell Sponsored Library Project in Basilicata

This paper reviews the educational and social impact of a grassroots extensive reading project sponsored by Shell in the Basilicata area of southern Italy. Now in its third year, this class library initiative is established in a number of schools, primary through secondary, throughout the region with over 4500 children and 150 teachers involved in the programme. More recently the project has also moved into community centres in the Val d'Agri. Over the last two years, the programme has not only motivated students but also encouraged teachers to adopt the innovative approaches to teaching promoted by the initiative. In a region of Italy which has comparatively low educational outcomes, the project's positive effect on student learning, teacher development and community engagement has had a positive impact on attitudes to Shell held by many living in areas affected by the company's exploration and drilling programme.