From 11th to 26th March a volunteering activity called “Volunteering for an intercultural environment” took place in Riesi, Sicily, as part of the HeSo project.ESC EU-funded. In this context, the activity in Riesi was organized in collaboration with the non-profit organization I Girasoli and aimed to involve young volunteers in social and community support actions.

 

The main objective of the project was to assist in the daily activities of I GirasoliThe volunteers worked together in the rural areas of Caltanissetta, supporting I Girasoli and its residents with agricultural work on land confiscated from the mafia. These activities included clearing and preparing trees and plants, symbolically transforming the land into a space for growth and inclusion. Volunteers participated in workshops on recycling and reuse, exploring how local resources could be used to create simple products useful to the Center, such as building a compost bin and painting a mural.

 

Furthermore, the group visited reception centres and collaborated with young people hosted by I Girasoli, gaining firsthand insight into the Italian reception system and the association's daily work. She also participated in seminars focused on legality and the fight against the mafia, deepening her understanding of the local social context.

 

Since the initiative took place during the period of Ramadan, volunteers and the community shared reflections on this important moment for the Islamic religion and gathered to celebrate Iftar, the traditional breaking of the fast, emphasizing cultural exchange, respect, and unity.

 

Alongside their activities, participants explored the area, took part in team-building activities, and exchanged experiences with the Center's residents. The camp created a space for cooperation, mutual learning, and positive social impact, leaving a significant impact on both the volunteers and the Riesi community.

 

The activity was carried out within the HeSo projectESC (No. 101060373) funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps programme (Volunteering Groups in High Priority Areas). The opinions expressed herein are, however, those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.