Porto Burci and Centro Tecchio were abuzz with energy and optimism as ALDA hosted “VI sono anch’io”, an event commemorating International Migrants Day. Organised within ALDA’s Migration Hub initiative, this gathering marked a milestone for the city of Vicenza (Italy), bringing together—for the first time—diverse stakeholders from local authorities, cooperatives, public service operators, associations, and the wider community to discuss the future of migrant integration.
The event began with warm institutional greetings from the Municipality of Vicenza, underscoring the city’s dedication to fostering inclusion and addressing migration challenges. This was followed by a compelling keynote by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General, who shared the organisation’s stead commitment to creating inclusive societies through its flagship migration initiatives.
Panel discussion: collaboration as the cornerstone of integration
The panel discussion, “Strengthening Collaboration among Local Actors for Effective Integration in Vicenza,” was the highlight of the event. Moderated by the ALDA team, the session brought together a diverse array of voices:
- Mattia Pilan, City Councillor of the Municipality of Vicenza with a mandate for relations with foreign communities, represented the local government and discussed the collaborative frameworks in place to support integration efforts.
- Elisa Trevisan, Project Coordinator, and Andrea Rilievo, President of Studio Progetto and Governing Board Member of ALDA, shared practical experiences from their work managing the SAI system, supporting over 100 refugees and asylum seekers in Valdagno.
- Francesco Zordan from Pari Passo spoke about their specialized focus on empowering vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors and women.
- Roberta Festugato, Social Worker and Coordinator of the CAS – Extraordinary Reception Center of the Prefecture of Vicenza, highlighted their multi-faceted efforts in managing CAS projects, addressing housing, education, and health needs.
The discussion illuminated both the challenges and the opportunities for creating a cohesive framework for inclusion, with panelists emphasising the importance of resource-sharing, stronger communication, and a unified vision.
Interactive working groups: co-Creating an inclusive vision
For many participants, the most inspiring part of the event was the interactive working groups. These sessions gave attendees the chance to delve into key questions about integration and propose concrete solutions. Topics ranged from creating welcoming neighborhoods and fostering connections between locals and migrants, to reducing prejudice and involving migrants in local decision-making processes.
Participants, including representatives from associations such as Caritas Vicenza, Centro Astalli, Spazio Porto, and Casa a Colori, shared personal experiences, identified barriers, and brainstormed innovative strategies. Facilitators encouraged open dialogue, ensuring that every voice in the room was heard. Among the ideas that emerged were:
- Developing shared cultural events to bring together long-term residents and newcomers.
- Establishing a permanent platform for local actors to coordinate efforts and share best practices.
- Advocating for policies that empower migrants to take active roles in community life.
These discussions emphasised not only the complexity of integration but also the collective determination to address it. For many participants, it was a rare and powerful moment to collaborate with such a wide array of stakeholders.
The event marked a historic moment for Vicenza. For the first time, a room full of stakeholders—local government officials, service providers, NGOs, and community members—gathered to envision the future of integration in the city. This collaborative effort is a testament to Vicenza’s willingness to tackle complex challenges and its aspiration to become a beacon of inclusivity.
As Mohammed Mustafa, project manager at ALDA’s Migration Hub, remarked:
“Seeing so many stakeholders come together for the first time to discuss migrant integration is deeply inspiring. It’s a reminder that real change starts at the local level, with shared commitment and collaboration. This is just the beginning of a much larger journey for Vicenza.”
The success of “VI sono Anch’io” serves as a stepping stone toward more sustained collaboration. ALDA is committed to building on the momentum of this event, fostering dialogue, and implementing the ideas generated during the working groups. By creating platforms for cooperation and sharing, Vicenza is poised to lead by example in addressing migration with compassion and inclusivity.
ALDA extends heartfelt gratitude to the Municipality of Vicenza, Studio Progetto, Cosmo SCS, Pari Passo, and all the associations and community members who made this event possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.