Portfolio of Solutions: Italy
Hello Europe in Action
Hello Europe in Italy was officially launched with a national event in Turin on 12 April 2019, bringing together 250 participants from across sectors. Following a national mapping involving over 100 organisations, Ashoka Italy, in collaboration with partners and Ashoka Fellows, identified 15 of the most innovative social entrepreneurs working in migration. These initiatives reflected a wide range of approaches from employment and entrepreneurship to inclusion, skills recognition, and community building, all contributing to reshaping the narrative around migration.
The mapping revealed a fragmented but emerging ecosystem: while many innovative actors were working in isolation, there was a strong appetite for collaboration and a shared recognition that migration can drive innovation. The event itself catalysed new connections and confidence, with 62% of participants expressing a high likelihood of future collaboration, 80% feeling more confident in Italy’s ability to address migration challenges, and 90% reporting increased awareness of both the complexity of the issue and the solutions available.
Following the event, eight selected initiatives entered an intensive acceleration journey, receiving mentorship and support to strengthen their strategies for scaling impact and collaboration. These projects—ranging from Mygrants to Mama Venture, BeeMyJob, Silent Academy and others—demonstrate that effective responses to migration go beyond reception or restriction, and instead build on the agency, skills, and leadership of people on the move.
Ecosystem of Solutions
CASCINA CASOTTELLO | Founded by Modou Gueye
THE PROBLEM
Many neighbourhoods face degeneration and abandonment, often leading to the segregation of disadvantaged groups. Combined with a lack of education in multiculturalism, this limits opportunities for migrants to integrate into local societies.
THE SOLUTION
Following a public tender, the Sunugal socio-cultural association and the Fate Artigiane cooperative redeveloped Cascina Casottello, a space acquired by the Municipality of Milan to drive territorial and social regeneration. The centre now hosts a wide range of activities and services, bringing together diverse communities and creating a shared space for interaction and support.
THE IMPACT
Today, around 2,000 people are registered at the centre. Cascina Casottello continues to transform abandoned spaces into vibrant community hubs, improving living conditions and actively contributing to reducing segregation.
CUOCHI A COLORI | Founded by Donatella Forconi
THE PROBLEM
Many migrants in Italy struggle to access employment due to limited resources and lack of professional networks, often resulting in isolation and inequality.
THE SOLUTION
Cuochi a Colori connects culture and cuisine by creating employment opportunities through cooking courses, catering services, and events. Migrant chefs from around the world share their culinary traditions, offering diverse food experiences while creating pathways to economic inclusion.
THE IMPACT
The initiative fosters dialogue, sharing, and participation through food, creating spaces where cultural exchange thrives. It empowers migrants to engage in entrepreneurial activities rooted in their cultural knowledge, strengthening both inclusion and community cohesion.
SEMÌNO | Founded by Samanta Musarò
THE PROBLEM
Migrants often lack access to familiar foods and ingredients in their host countries, adding to the cultural disconnection experienced after displacement.
THE SOLUTION
Semìno introduces ethical and sustainable agricultural products by engaging migrants in cultivating crops from their home countries, such as daikon, okra, and curcuma. This creates employment while enabling cultural exchange through food.
THE IMPACT
Semìno supports both economic inclusion and cultural exchange by creating new market opportunities and reconnecting migrants with their food heritage, while introducing local communities to diverse agricultural products.
INDOVINA CHI VIENE A CENA? | Founded by Antonio Damasco
THE PROBLEM
Public perceptions of migrants are often shaped by stereotypes rather than direct interaction, limiting understanding and integration.
THE SOLUTION
Inspired by the film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, this initiative reverses traditional roles by inviting migrants to host local residents in their homes for shared meals. These encounters create opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding.
THE IMPACT
Since 2012, more than 4,000 people across over 120 families have participated in the initiative, which has expanded to 90 municipalities. It fosters meaningful intercultural relationships and has strong potential for replication in other countries.
MAMA VENTURE | Founded by Mamadou Lamine Ndiaye
THE PROBLEM
Migrant entrepreneurs often struggle to access funding, as financial institutions face challenges in assessing creditworthiness and are reluctant to provide loans.
THE SOLUTION
Mama Venture supports migrant-led businesses through crowdfunding and investment from its network. It also provides training and workshops to help entrepreneurs develop sustainable and innovative business models.
THE IMPACT
Through its platform, Mama Venture has successfully mobilised resources to support migrant entrepreneurship, enabling businesses to grow and contribute to local economies.
THE SILENT ACADEMY | Founded by Luca Iacovone
THE PROBLEM
Many migrants possess valuable skills and knowledge but lack opportunities to apply them, resulting in underutilised potential.
THE SOLUTION
The Silent Academy creates spaces for skill exchange between migrants and local communities through workshops and training sessions, positioning migrants as experts of their own knowledge and experience.
THE IMPACT
The initiative has mapped over 300 migrant skillsets and engages around 30 participants per workshop. It strengthens recognition of migrant talents while fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.
BEE MY JOB | Founded by Mara Alacqua
THE PROBLEM
There is both a shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors and limited employment opportunities for migrants lacking technical skills.
THE SOLUTION
Bee My Job provides professional training and employment pathways in beekeeping and organic farming, combining environmental awareness with social inclusion.
THE IMPACT
Since 2015, 141 individuals have been trained and employed, including 42 in 2018 alone. The project contributes to both job creation and increased awareness of environmental sustainability.
THE SEWING COOPERATIVE | Founded by Lydia Witt
THE PROBLEM
Migrants often experience isolation, while tourists lack understanding of migration realities and African cultures.
THE SOLUTION
The Sewing Cooperative creates shared experiences through tailoring workshops, connecting migrants and tourists. Participants learn sewing while engaging in dialogue and storytelling.
THE IMPACT
Six tailors from six African countries collaborate in the initiative. The experience has engaged over 200 participants and continues to grow through platforms like Airbnb, demonstrating strong scalability.
IL GRANDE COLIBRÌ | Founded by Wajahat Abbas Kazmi & Pier Cesare Notaro
THE PROBLEM
Individuals persecuted for their gender identity, sexual orientation, or beliefs often face continued discrimination even in host countries.
THE SOLUTION
Il Grande Colibrì supports LGBTQIA+ refugees by providing legal assistance, cultural activities, and community support, fostering inclusion and acceptance.
THE IMPACT
The organisation has built a diverse and growing network of supporters across backgrounds, actively working to challenge discrimination and promote inclusion for marginalized communities.
MYGRANTS | Founded by Chris Richmond N’zi
THE PROBLEM
Migrants’ skills and talents are often unrecognised, leading to underemployment despite high levels of digital literacy and education.
THE SOLUTION
MyGrants uses an app-based system with games and quizzes to assess skills and provide a six-month training programme, connecting migrants to employment opportunities.
THE IMPACT
Since 2017, MyGrants has facilitated around 950 job placements, with approximately 25 new hires per week, supporting migrants to enter the labour market successfully.
LA STRATEGIA DELLA LUMACA | Founded by Massimiliano Giacomello & Matteo Castellani
THE PROBLEM
Access to affordable housing is a major barrier for migrants, particularly in urban areas with high demand and limited supply.
THE SOLUTION
The initiative builds networks and tools that support migrants in navigating the housing market, empowering them to achieve autonomy through community-based solutions.
THE IMPACT
The project has supported over 300 migrants in finding housing through a network of 50 institutions, strengthening long-term support systems and partnerships.
RAGAZZI HARRAGA | Founded by Alessandra Sciurba & Veronica Lattuada
THE PROBLEM
Unaccompanied minors often lack adequate protection and are at high risk of exploitation, abuse, and criminal activity.
THE SOLUTION
Ragazzi Harraga supports coordination between institutions through a digital “social folder” system that tracks individual needs and ensures continuity of care.
THE IMPACT
The initiative has supported 80 children, including 20 who have been directly engaged in the organisation’s work. The model has proven effective in improving coordination and protection mechanisms.