Conference Program

The lack of an effective reception system not only hinders the integration of migrants, but also increases the risk of social exclusion and exploitation. Without adequate access to education, work and health services, people housed in temporary centres and CASs remain trapped in a limbo of precariousness.

The absence of structured programmes for integration into the labour market prevents migrants from achieving economic autonomy, forcing them to depend on informal networks often linked to undeclared work or exploitation. Furthermore, the lack of adequate language support limits their ability to communicate and build ties with the host society, reinforcing dynamics of isolation and marginalisation.

From a human rights perspective, the reduction of services in the centres has led to a deterioration in the living conditions of asylum seekers. In many facilities, sanitary conditions are inadequate, spaces are overcrowded and the quality of food is poor. In some cases, there have been incidents of violence and ill-treatment, without the institutions ensuring adequate monitoring of the situation.

Southern Italy is also subject to demographic dynamics marked by ageing and depopulation, especially in inland areas. This marks a double abandonment: not only are existing residents leaving, but also immigrants who arrive with the desire to realise their migration project.

Reception centres could instead be a lifeline for the rebirth of these territories, especially inland areas. However, for this to happen, functional and indispensable projects are needed to activate the precursors of development consistent with the characteristics of the territories and their economic history, which over time has been undermined by processes of abandonment and emigration. These projects must also be geared towards the recovery of specific knowledge and skills capable of activating new production and employment processes, with a long-term vision.

This contribution analyses and presents the initial results of a monitoring activity of a service aimed precisely at enhancing the Lucanian territory, involving migrants hosted in reception centres managed by the Filef Cooperativa Sociale, young unemployed Italians and agritourism facilities. The activity under investigation consists of the creation of guidance courses on business activities in the sectors of tourism and social agriculture in particular, but also in the sectors of the environment, culture and intangible assets. Specifically, four thematic itineraries are being organised to visit specific communities and learn about their cultural, environmental and gastronomic characteristics. The initiative consists of training on existing regulatory opportunities for businesses and support activities for business creation.

The research involves users of the initiative, operators and privileged witnesses from the local area.