Italian Red Cross

• Activity period: One week of training, with the schedule to be determined between June 22 and July 6. Two weeks of project activities, to be agreed upon with the partner and scheduled between July 6 and August 8, 2020.   

• Location of activities: All activities will be conducted remotely  

• Further logistical details will be agreed upon with partners and communicated in June 2020.  

The Italian Red Cross, the fifth national society of the Movement to be established, has always paid close attention to the needs and vulnerabilities of the communities it serves on a daily basis.    

Lombardy Region  

• Activity period: July 6–18 

• Number of students required: 6  

 Gaps to be bridged (social, educational, economic): The COVID emergency we are experiencing has widened the existing disparities in our communities. The digital divide, rising poverty among certain segments of the population, and the immense challenges facing the school system are just a few examples of the difficulties encountered nationwide. Lombardy was one of the first regions hit by the emergency. Since February, schools, gyms, and gathering places have been closed, creating difficulties and inconveniences that have suddenly changed our daily lives.   

  Campania Region  

• Activity period: July 20–31  

• Number of students required: 4    

Inclusion:  Unfortunately, 2020, with the need to combat COVID through social distancing, has brought to light and exacerbated the marginalization of vulnerable groups, including the homeless, migrants, and the elderly. While social distancing has allowed many to reflect on themselves, it has also given rise to and reinforced feelings of unjustified hatred toward the most vulnerable.  Help is needed to create projects that foster social inclusion.  

Vulture Committee  

• Activity period: July 13–24  

• Number of students required: 2  

Gaps to be bridged (social, educational, economic): Given the area of interest, the Vulture Committee of the Red Cross intends to propose a project aimed at addressing social and economic issues related to agricultural work.  

The scourge of the “caporalato” system afflicts the Basilicata region, as it does other parts of southern Italy, robbing workers of their dignity as they take turns during the various harvest periods.  

The activities will begin with a sector study covering:  

• - employment conditions  
• - the structural and sanitary conditions of the residential areas  
• - the type of employment contract  
• - the psychological and physical conditions of the workers  

Following this, a dedicated agricultural welfare model will be developed, aimed at cooperatives and companies in the sector.  

The goal is to offer the Red Cross Committee’s practical collaboration to the various institutions involved (the regional department of agricultural policies, the Ministry of Labor, and municipal authorities), with the aim of drawing attention to the unacceptable conditions faced by seasonal workers and providing local support to those who work every day for their dignity.”

Aprilia Committee  

• Activity period: July 6–18  

• Number of students required: 5  

Gaps to be bridged (social, educational, economic): “Lack of information regarding the number of young people in the area who are socially and educationally isolated due to a lack of means and technologies suitable for telecommunication.  Social isolation, a lack of relationships, and the inability to access training and information for young people facing economic hardship"  

Cagliari Committee  

• Activity period: July 20–31  

• Number of students required: 2  

<p paraeid="{8b34fa87-ce35-4619-820c-6c63b5cced83}{122}" paraid="1890663733">Combating inequality: In this period of economic, social, and cultural crisis, it is clear that inequalities are becoming more severe and widespread. In our work, we are exploring the psychological and social processes that prevent those facing social disadvantage from challenging their status. In recent years, we have seen how complex and “heavy” the experience is for young, unaccompanied migrants who, upon reaching the age of majority, leave their foster care community and increasingly take responsibility for their own life plans. Foreigners, like other special categories of people, are recognized as disadvantaged. Their life stories reveal a sense of social inferiority. Members of disadvantaged groups occupy a weak position within society and are subject to discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudices. These are often internalized, leading to serious consequences on an emotional, cognitive, and behavioral level. Indeed, their social position leads disadvantaged individuals to have little confidence in themselves and their capabilities. They feel they matter little and doubt their ability to achieve even the smallest goals. They perceive limited control over their lives compared to those in favored groups, experiencing feelings such as anxiety, shame, frustration, and anger. From our perspective, individual stories can help shape a project framework that guides actions aimed at raising awareness about the issue of inequality. 

 

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