Migrants in the refugee protection system Siproimi in Caserta recently received diplomas in mechatronics and Italian certificates, while the numbers for reception decrease and government aid is awaited.
A diploma in mechatronics is rather rare and highly coveted. Migrants participating in the Siproimi network of protection for international protection holders and foreign unaccompanied minors in Caserta received these diplomas, along with Italian certificates, during a convention titled "Good Reception: The Caserta Model" at the Caserta Chamber of Commerce.
In attendance were Caserta Chamber of Commerce president Tommaso De Simone and secretary Luigi Rao; Caserta deputy mayor Franco De Michele and the local diocese Caritas director, Antonello Giannotti. It was confirmed at the convention that the city will participate in the Sprar programme for the next three years.
Reception down
The Siproimi project, which was extended through December 2020 due to the coronavirus emergency, is currently managed in Caserta by the Ex Canapificio social center and Casa Rut, in partnership with the local Caritas.
In the coming months a new call for tenders is expected for the 2021-2023 period. The 2.5-million-euro project can host up to 200 migrants in 24 apartments, including eight women with children. The women are often victims of exploitation receiving assistance from Casa Rut.
Currently, however, there are 100 migrants being hosted, said Virginia Crovella of the Ex Canapificio. She said the reason is "both due to accords with Libya, which made the number of arrivals go down, as well as the security decrees, which eliminated humanitarian stay permits, pushing many migrants who were previously hosted by the Sprar system into hiding."
Initiatives by the Siproimi project
Managers of the Siproimi project are waiting for funding for the first half of 2020. Crovella said the interior ministry allocated 800,000 euros to the city of Caserta in April, but bureaucratic reasons have delayed the funds, which still haven't been transferred.
Despite the delay, she said the Sprar center in Caserta continues to be a "model of social inclusion".
Migrants at the centre take part in Italian courses and in professional internships, including the one for mechatronics, as well as in the sectors of restaurants, construction, services, agribusiness, and logistics. There are 35 businesses involved, with four training organisations.
The migrants participate in sports, with soccer and basketball teams in various competitions. They also carry out social service projects, such as accompanying children to school through the project Piedibus.