This picture shows two Nigerian refugees, Jeff and Thomas, who are working with an initiative in Rome. The two Nigerians sweep the streets, pull out weeds and clean flower beds. Organizers say the project is helping them become a part of Italian society.
Jeff arrived in Lampedusa seven months ago. He says that in many African countries the holes in the streets are repaired by volunteers who ask drivers for a tip. The same goes for the pruning of dangerous branches along the streets. Thomas, who arrived in Lampedusa a year ago, explains that you can make some 15 euros a day by begging or selling socks. According to Matteo Pennachi, who initiated the project, the most interesting social impact is that this encourages communication, breaking the ice between citizens and immigrants. Retailers or doormen are often the ones asking for their services. The promoters of the initiative, which is going viral on social networks, encourage these young people by donating brooms and T-shirts that say, "Let's clean our neighbourhood. A tip is welcome."
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