Today, Thursday 13 June, Avsi in partnership with the organizations active in the area that are participating in the project”Beyond the Pandemic”, supported by the Intesa Sanpaolo Charity Fund and social and cultural works and by the Foundation with the South, presents in Catania the results achieved for the 105 young people involved in the Sicilian territory.
The project, which overall also covers the territory of Naples, aims to combat the NEET phenomenon (English acronym Not engaged in Education, Employment or Training) with the aim of reducing marginality and social exclusion, through investment in the educational and personal growth of 175 young people in Naples, Catania and Palermo. An initiative that aims to enhance the contribution and skills of the new generations in a country context where according to 2022 Eurostat statistics, Italy has a rate of young NEETs (between 16 and 34 years old) of 19%, which is higher than the European average (11.7%).
The action is designed for young people who left school early and who come from contexts of marginality and social, cultural and economic hardship. The aim is to help them reactivate in society through educational and training plans, strengthening their potential and motivation for looking for work.increasing their employment opportunities and promoting job placement.
Particularly in Sicily, between Catania and Palermotransversal work orientation actions are being implemented with particular attention pay attention to women. The activities include job search courses, digital literacy and professional training courses in the personal care and assistance sector with internships with families and educational facilities.
The project also provides the opening of a free access listening point in Palermo dedicated to supporting vulnerable women who find themselves alone and facing problems resulting from early parenthood, lack of education and work which can lead to marginalization and exploitation.
«Avsi is active in these areas to contribute to improving the condition of young people with support that is not only educational and for access to the world of work», observes Veronica Dal Moro, Avsi project manager in southern Italy«but also to offer psycho-social support to help people find the necessary motivation to face and overcome difficulties and build a future».
«The project was born because there is the desire to bring out all the potential and the good that is in the soul of each young person we meet», he concludes Letizia Scandurra, head of the planning and social development office of the Salesians in Sicily e coordinator of the “Beyond the pandemic” project.
Photo credit Avsi/Francesco Pistilli
