Relational quality evaluation of the after-school in the project “new citizens” by San Crisostomo parish

The paper relates to an evaluation research conducted about the after-school project of San Crisostomo Parish (Milan, Italy) which carries out activities to support children and families in their school tasks and to contrast school dropouts. The multidimensional quality model used refers to some macro-organizational dimensions of relational well-being generated by a service: efficiency, effectiveness, participation in planning and intervention and empowerment of children and their family relationships. The combined effects of these dimensions are defined as ‘relational quality’. The evaluation recorded an improve in the academic performance of boys / girls in every field (for 60% of participants); improvements are also observed with respect to the method of study and sometimes with regard to the conduct. In particular, the project underlines a certain harmony between the expectations of families, the proposal of the educators and the needs of the children (effectiveness). The priority given to relationships, in a society that often focuses more on meritocracy, is the point strong of the model (rationality), with a consequent and particular attention given to subsidiarity and the care of network at all levels (team, relationship with the students, relationship with the university volunteers, alliance with families, etc..).