FORZA IN EUROPE

By Dario Mazzocchi

If you believe certain sections of the mainstream media, Italy is hardly a pro-European country.

And, according to research conducted by the European Union, Italy finds itself at the bottom of several standings – on cooperation with young people from other countries, participation in voluntary activities and in rating the attractiveness of both higher education and vocational education or training.

President Barroso addresses young people in Antwerp

Not a great performance, by any means – but in Antwerp, where a high-level ‘Youth on the Move’ event took place on May 17 with the President of European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education and Youth, the mood was quite different.

Sabrina Neri, a 28-year-old from Lucca (Tuscany) who graduated in Pisa, had the honour of receiving a European prize for her part in a project in Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK) called ‘Wimps’ (‘Where is my public servant’).

The project, which won the ‘Innovative Society’ category, was coordinated by the organisation ‘Public Achievement – Building Democratic Communities Together’.

Sabrina, why Belfast?

“At the beginning it was not in my intention to go there, but I wanted to go abroad to improve my English – so, here we are!” Sabrina says, smiling, after the awards ceremony.

“It was an exciting experience – we work hard and very well – so I’m very happy.”

Sabrina collects her award in Antwerp

The name ‘Where is my public servant’ tells you all you need to know about its goal: it is a direct communication channel between young people and politicians in a part of United Kingdom where the conflict between Catholics and Protestants is still visible.

“We produce videos in order to let young people express their needs and feelings. A march to the Ulster Parliament was organised to ask the creation of a Youth Assembly”, explains Sabrina.

She spent two years in Belfast, from 2009 to 2010, working on alternative communications, helping her volunteering association make videos and launching new web pages. All these communication instruments are ones which young people have confidence in.

Sabrina then moved to South Africa where she worked for a community radio.

And now?

“I want to rest a moment and reflect. I’m looking for a new project and for some funds for my own work – even if it’s not easy, I’ll try. I like travelling and meeting new people, so I don’t think I’ll stay in Italy.”

FORZA IN BRUSSELS

Also on the bus to the Antwerp event was Chiara De Caro. Originally from Puglia, Chiara has been living for five years in Brussels, where she is director of the European Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs.

Chiara remembers that she “easily found a job” in Brussels – and it’s the reason why she’s planning to remain in Belgium, even though sometimes she misses the colours and flavours of her homeland.

At the same time, she underlines the emphasis which young Italian entrepreneurs put on European affairs and how her confederation receives a lot of news from Italy regarding new projects launched by ambitious young people.

“Italy is a vital reality, there are lots of projects and funds for them”, Chiara explains.

What about your experience working in Brussels?

“I came here after graduating in International Relations at Università di Perugia,” she says.

“I had a first experience at the permanent Italian mission at the EU, then I had to find a new job, but it hasn’t been difficult.

“This city gives you the chance to settle down”.