Pinocchio is the most exported fairy tale in Italy, that is not a mystery: the internationality of the fantastic story and its morals have conquered children and not only from all over the world.
The bond with Africa has been consolidated in recent years thanks to the social vocation and solidarity of the Collodi Foundation of Pescia and its initiatives. First with the play "Pinocchio Nero", created and represented by director and actor Marco Baliani, with the street kids of Nairobi and then exported to Italy and Europe with success.
Now in the educational park of the Tuscan village, frequented by children from all over the peninsula and the world, there is also Kenya of safaris and adventure, as well as creativity.
Two works by master Armando Tanzini, of those that we are used to seeing in his "temple" of culture and hospitality, the "White Elephant", have been donated by the artist himself to the Collodi Foundation and inserted along the route in the enchanted garden of the park.
It is an elephant and a giraffe, on the back of which there is a Pinocchio wood.
"The spirit of the Foundation is to provide educational elements to young people, through art and culture, stimulating their imagination and creativity - explained the president of the foundation Pier Francesco Bernacchi - Pinocchio travels and makes travel in this sense and a distant, mysterious and stimulating world like that of Africa is the ideal".
A spirit confirmed also by Tanzini, who together with the Foundation and the association "Mente in Arte", which represents the social drift of the initiative, has many other projects.
"The story of Pinocchio and his greatness - explains the artist who has been living in Malindi for 50 years now - is something that concerns all latitudes and all continents, bringing children and those who care for their future also in Africa".
Through the donation of the two large animals, the association "Mente in Arte" intends to refer to its initiatives in Malindi and the surrounding area, together with the representative Lucy Muli Kina.
"In Kenya we have started important works to support needy children - confirms the president of the association, Dora Paduano - and to be able to bring the story of Pinocchio to Malindi, as Armando Tanzini brought his works to Collodi, are a symbol of our international commitment, which is continuing with a large collection of toys for Kenya and other initiatives".