The collaboration between the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and Microsoft has given rise to Co-Host, a project promoting integration and digital literacy for 1000 immigrants and refugees through schools. The project activities will be presented today at IIS Leonardo Da Vinci in Rome with a speech by Interior Ministry Undersecretary Domenico Manzione.
Project Co-Host was presented in Rome, today, by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and Microsoft. The project has the patronage of the Ministry of the Interior and is dedicated to the social and cultural integration and the professional requalification of immigrants and refugees in Italy. This strategic alliance between Italian schools and immigrant reception centres has led to the creation of an educational hub where immigrants can learn and develop digital, linguistic and civic competences.
This educational challenge is based on 1000 student i-tutors from 5 cities (Rome, Naples, Reggio Calabria, Catania and Messina) who will use digital code, a language bridging cultures and a key to access citizenship 4.0. They will teach 1000 migrants to use PCs and the Internet, help them learn Italian, and – as they get to know them better – help them in the difficult process of social integration. This is the so-called Third Reception Formula, which the FMD has already successfully tested, combining technology, social learning and local activities to promote the full integration of foreign citizens.
Project Co-Host activities were presented today at IIS Leonardo Da Vinci in Rome. Interior Ministry Undersecretary Domenico Manzione participated in the opening conference: “School is a privileged environment in which to create integration. Technology has promoted the meeting of culture and has allowed students to overcome prejudice. Italy is ready, amongst a thousand difficulties. Promoting integration during a period of economic crisis and safety concerns is not easy. It is a true challenge. We hope that this bet, even if slow and toilsome, will soon draw in all of Europe.”
“The Fondazione Mondo Digitale is educating a new generation that had learned that the best way to learn is to teach, to share knowledge and improve everyone’s lives. Europe has long been seeking a solution to immigration and integration issues. We are certain that a successful integration model must be based on school and the sharing of values,” explains Mirta Michilli, Director General, Fondazione Mondo Digitale.
“The news reminds us daily that social and cultural integration are a priority not just for institutions, but also for civil society. Migrants, refugees and immigrants are potential citizens and must become a precious resource for the community, but this requires integration and education,” explains Paola Andreozzi, Microsoft Philanthropies Manager. “Project Co-Host is developed by Microsoft in collaboration with the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and is based on the education of young Italian students who transfer knowledge to their foreign peers through a mix of digital skills and cultural osmosis in which those who learn tell their story and those who teach share of culture and its values. Indeed, competences must include the understanding of society to have true value and open the doors to true social integration.”
Digital inclusion labs will continue over the course of the following weeks. On June 20, in celebration of World Refugee Day, students and immigrant reception centres will meet for the annual solidarity football match that will be held in five cities this year: Milan, Rome, Naples, Messina and Catania. A special match will be held in Milan, in collaboration with the PlayMore Association, between immigrants and Microsoft personnel.
