MEDITERRANEAN HOPE – Osservatorio sulle migrazioni di Lampedusa
Mediterranean Hope (MH) is the refugee and migrant Program of the “Federazione delle chiese evangeliche in Italia” (FCEI), the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy. MH was established in the aftermath of the shipwreck of October 3, 2013, when 368 people lost their lives just a few miles from the island of Lampedusa, in Sicily, while attempting to reach Italy via the Mediterranean Sea. MH operates in various border areas, working with local communities, churches, civil society, and institutions to support migrants in their rights to move freely, seek protection, and exercise self-determination. This is achieved through solidarity initiatives, welcoming programs, the implementation of legal and safe access routes, advocacy actions, and raising awareness on issues such as social justice, rights, and discrimination.
Operating in Lampedusa since 2014, the “Osservatorio sulle migrazioni di Lampedusa” MH Migration Observatory, provides first-response assistance, mediation, research, data collection, storytelling, and network-building with the local community. Together with the “Forum Lampedusa Solidale”, the Observatory is involved in providing first aid to those who land on the island and in fostering relations with various local stakeholders, supporting solidarity practices promoted by civil society. The Observatory collaborates with the local community on social, cultural, educational, and sustainable initiatives, while also maintaining a strong ecumenical partnership with the local Catholic community. This ecumenical approach and the interfaith dialogue are highlighted each year during the commemoration of the victims of the October 3, 2013.
Among the projects developed by the Observatory are: “Drawings from the Border” and “No Border Books: Stories for Children on the Move”.
“Drawings from the Border” is based on the illustrations created by the social worker Francesco Piobbichi, who tells stories, experiences, and reflections through a direct and engaging visual language. These drawings are showcased in exhibitions and presentations held in schools, cultural centers, and both religious and secular associations.
“No Border Books” is a project born out of the solidarity practices carried out over the years by MH, the Ibby Library in Lampedusa, and the Forum Lampedusa Solidale. It features a silent book: a travel story through the wonders of the world. The book was created with the generosity and expertise of the illustrator Felicita Sala. The book, with wax crayons to color its pages and a canvas backpack sewn by people on the move through ethical tailoring workshops,is given to children in the moments immediately following their arrival on the island.