On July 8th, 2024, ASTIPA facilitated a meeting with Associazione Francesco Realmonte ETS in Milan as part of the Erasmus+ Wszechnica Wiedzy project. The session focused on the association’s work in supporting the psychological, social, and professional integration of migrants and refugees in the local context.
Participants were introduced to the holistic approach adopted by Realmonte ETS, which combines individual support with systemic strategies aimed at overcoming the most common barriers to socio-economic inclusion. Central to the discussion were the challenges and opportunities linked to the recognition of migrants’ skills and prior experiences, which often remain invisible or undervalued within formal labour market frameworks.
The conversation explored various methods used by the association to assess and validate competences, including personalised interviews, practical testing, and narrative tools. The importance of integrated training pathways was emphasised, blending language support, technical skills development, and soft skills training. Equally relevant was the role played by local communities in facilitating successful integration, through volunteer networks, social initiatives, and intercultural encounters.
Participants also discussed how workplace diversity can be promoted as a value rather than a challenge, and how simplifying administrative procedures is essential to reducing obstacles and delays in the integration process. The experience of Realmonte ETS offered a comprehensive view of how civil society organisations can act as bridges between migrants, institutions, and the labour market, while promoting dignity, autonomy, and active citizenship.
This exchange forms part of the ongoing activities of Wszechnica Wiedzy, a project co-funded by Erasmus+ under the KA210 programme, and will continue through 2025 with further opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration.
