Project focuses on areas marked by high unemployment

(MissionNewswire) Salesians for Social in Italy launched the first stages of the SEEDS project over the summer to engage young adults, aged 15-29, through education and inclusion to develop new green employment opportunities. The project takes place in Sicily and Apulia, which are areas marked by high unemployment and impacted by climate change. The project is financed by the Villum Fonden European Vocational Education and Training Initiative 2024.

Salesians will partner with other organization to carry out project activities. These partnerships include the Puglia and Sicily regional offices of CNOS-FAP (National Center for Salesian Works-Formation and Professional Updating), the University of Palermo and the University of Foggia, Centro Orizzonte Lavoro, A Braccia Aperte, and Don Bosco 2000.

In Palermo, together with CNOS-FAP Sicily and the University of Palermo, Salesians for Social has begun designing the first short courses in the fields of sustainable agriculture and ethical catering. With the support of the A Braccia Aperte, it met with local companies ready to host apprenticeships and internships for participants.

In Catania, the Salesian team strengthened the network with the Orizzonte Lavoro Center and the local Salesian Vocational Formation Center, working on educational co-planning.

A project leader said, “Our commitment is to transform the focus on environmental sustainability into real employable skills, following the European ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy, which involves every stage of the food chain, from production to conscious consumption.”

Through workshops, internships, support, and educational alliances, Salesians aim to build a path that can respond to the social, environmental, and economic challenges of the territories of Southern Italy.

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Italy – ‘SEEDS’ takes root in the South: formation, inclusion and the future between Sicily and Apulia

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy