Read part of a news article about the integration of refugees in Italy. Answer the following questions. 1 Why has the number of immigrants increased so drastically in Italy? 2 What training activities are included in the project ‘The beauty of integration’? 3 What sectors do refugees typically work in? 4 What are the target groups of the theatre lab project? b Due to its geographical position, the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea has historically been the most used route for undocumented migrants. This route has become more prominent, as flow through other routes to the EU gradually faded. The principal destination for sea-crossing boats are the southernmost Italian territories, the Pelagie Islands. These islands are 113 km from Tunisia, 167 from Libya and 207 from Sicily. So, Italy is doubtlessly one of the countries that has faced a huge influx of migrants in recent years, which has resulted in tensions between the refugees and the receiving communities. Despite the frequent negative news headlines, numerous initiatives have been started to facilitate integration and make people realise the benefits of a multicultural society. In 2020, the Italian Refugee Council (CIR) launched a project called ‘La bellezza dell’integrazione’ (The beauty of integration), which organises training courses for 120 refugees who have been granted international protection. The EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) funded the project ‘The beauty of integration’ with the objective of promoting the social and cultural integration of refugees. Thereby refugees get help in finding a job through cultural activities and training. This initiative was developed by the humanitarian organisation together with a team of cultural associations across Italy. Four training courses were organised in collaboration with museums and institutions with experience in the management and promotion of cultural and artistic heritage. The courses did not provide a professional title but helped attendees find a job in the cultural tourism sector, training them on museum management and on the heritage of the cities and locations involved. Students also had the opportunity of working in the cultural and tourism sector. They all received an allowance to participate in the project’s activities. According to CIR, the initiative was developed together with Rome’s department for tourism, professional training and labour, and Teatro Pubblico Pugliese. Organisers said the course provided individual training in culture and tourism to help the participants become financially and socially independent. The projects aim to promote refugees’ integration in Italy’s cultural and social life, giving foreigners space to activate dialogue with local communities while providing more opportunities and services to those with international protection status. An important project aim is to promote a new way of experiencing museums through intercultural relations which are ‘an added value for communities and our territory’. The organisation also said that promoting socio-economic integration in job sectors other than those which typically employ refugees (such as healthcare, logistics or agriculture) was another focus point. Thus, the sector of cultural heritage and tourism becomes prominent in the field of integration as well as in Italy’s economy. The performing arts sector has also been involved in the integration of refugees offering free theater courses in Rome. Aimed at promoting social change, the courses are open to young Italians and migrants staying at hosting centres. The cultural association, ArteStudio, which promotes cultural projects with migrants to raise public awareness on issues around immigration and integration, is the main organiser. The theatre lab features Italians and migrants together on stage; it is open to people aged 14–35. Youths from difficult social backgrounds, such as young people living at migrant hosting centers, or adolescents who have been in jail, and communities for the disabled are the actors on stage. Language skills Extras Explore 1 Immigration, diversity and inclusion 11 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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