The regional council of Calabria approved "an important resolution that will help the Cutro shipwreck survivors, as well as other refugees, in a concrete way," announced Roberto Occhiuto, the president of the region of Calabria, on April 4.

The resolution -- the approval of the "Oikos Calabria" measure -- entails theoretical and practical training of migrants to work in the construction sector. Is also aims to promote integration between Italian and foreign citizens, and to help migrants take part in the country's economic, social, and cultural life.

"The people of Calabria over the last years, and especially during the last weeks, showed their solidarity toward migrants. (T)his is why I believe it was necessary to provide some tangible support to this solidarity, which has made the region of Calabria an example for the rest of Italy," Occhiuto added.

The drafted measure answers to the requests of Ance Calabria, the Italian national association for construction entrepreneurs, Occhiuto said, which has shared its difficulty in finding labor for their activities.

What is 'Oikos Calabria' about?

The "Oikos Calabria" will train Cutro shipwreck survivors who wish to remain in Italy, with the aim of integrating them into construction companies in the region.

Occhiuto defined the initiative as "an innovative and experimental project aimed at socio-employment inclusion for vulnerable migrants."

It's aimed at those who have requested and those who already have international protection or a temporary one. Other foreign citizens who hold a residence permit which allows them to work can also take part.

"There will be dedicated training courses, including theory classes followed by a professional, practical experience at a company that works in the sector that adhered to this initiative."

Project also helps with lack of workforce in the construction sector

The Regional Labor and Professional Training Councilor, Giovanni Calabrese, commented: "We are looking at a new model of inclusion that will allow migrants to be included in professional training, while at the same time, the project will also provide an answer to the requests of Ance Calabria and of the sector Unions tied to the lack of workforce in a field that is currently growing thanks to the opportunities and increased activities launched by the PNRR," the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

"A number of training activities to form skilled laborers are being launched, and they are aligned with the real needs of the sector, to create employment in Calabria," he added.

He further commented that "the events in Cutro, which shocked the entire nation, made us accelerate this procedure, making the region of Calabria not only a region where migrants arrive but also a land of work and opportunity."

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