On Thursday, June 27, the arrival of 77 Syrian refugees from Lebanon will be completed thanks to the humanitarian corridors promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio, the Federation of Evangelical Churches, and Tavola Valdese. This happened also thanks to an agreement with the Interior and Foreign Ministries. Including the new refugees, there will be more than 2,600 people welcomed in Europe with a self-financed civil society project, which was born in Italy and then it was adopted by other countries as well.
The stories of those who have already arrived show that it is possible not only to save those who risk falling into the hands of human traffickers but also to start paths of integration. At a time when helping those in need seems increasingly difficult, the model initiated by Sant'Egidio and Protestant Churches - and then replicated by other associations - has seen solidarity grow thanks to the generosity of many Italians - some of whom have even offered their homes for hospitality - and their voluntary and free commitment.
Since February 2016, about 2,100 refugees have already arrived in Italy (more than 1,600 from Lebanon, another 500 from Ethiopia), in addition to about 500 who have arrived in France, Belgium, and Andorra.
The new arrivals will be managed by associations, parishes, communities, and families in different regions of Italy. Along with the reception, Italian language lessons will be provided for adults together with schooling for minors. Moreover, a job placement will be immediately offered once the refugee status is obtained.
The appointment to welcome the refugees and a press conference are set for 11 a.m. Thursday, June 27.
Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Community of Sant'Egidio, Paolo Naso for the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy and the Waldensian Table, along with representatives of the Interior and Foreign Ministries, will speak.
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