The protocol of understanding signed by the three partners aims to support the academic paths of migrant and refugee students and to promote inclusion, social equality and multiculturalism.

The initiative, called "Dreams that Deserve Wings to Fly", was signed on the 800th anniversary of the university's founding. In cooperation with the community of Sant'Egidio and the University of Naples, Gesac will provide 16 three-year scholarships to migrant and refugee students.

The agreement was launched in the presence of two refugee students

The presentation of the new agreement featured statements by Hafiza Mahdiyar, a female Afghan refugee studying business economics, and Omar Marong, a Gambian migrant student enrolled in the second year of an International Relations degree.

University of Naples dean Matteo Lorito; Maura Striano, the education councilor of the Naples municipality and the author Maurizio de Giovanni were also present.

"The University Federico II has always welcomed young men and women who look to Italy as an opportunity for a better future," said Lorito. "And thanks to Gesac, today we can not only dispense them from payment of fees to attend the University, a policy which the institution has already consolidated for several years, but we can also support their efforts with a scholarship that will allow them to live in a dignified way during this new phase of their life journey."