For those forced to leave their home country, rebuilding a life in a new environment means facing daily challenges such as navigating services and institutions, understanding their rights, and finding reliable points of reference. In this journey, the direct involvement of refugees can make a difference, transforming their lived experience into a resource for the entire community. It is in this spirit that we have chosen to support the “Volunteers in Communities” project promoted by UNHCR—the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - which aims to strengthen the active participation of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, recognizing them as true agents of change within their own communities. The project stems from a community-centered approach that values the knowledge, skills, and abilities of refugees, involving them in decision-making processes that affect their lives and their integration journey. The initiative draws on UNHCR’s experience working with refugee volunteers in various countries around the world and was launched in Italy in 2022 in response to the arrival of refugees from Ukraine, with the aim of supporting the determination and spontaneous efforts of the Ukrainian community in welcoming the new arrivals. Thanks to the results achieved, the project has been gradually expanded to other communities and nationalities in the country, with the aim of recognizing and strengthening the role of community networks in identifying needs, addressing challenges, and developing shared solutions. At the heart of the initiative are the volunteers: people between the ages of 18 and 65, refugees or asylum seekers, who have arrived in Italy recently or several years ago, and who serve as a bridge between the host society and refugee communities, as well as between their representatives and the local services, institutions, and integration pathways. In 2026, the project plans to train new volunteers in the cities of Milan, Rome, Naples, and Turin, thanks to a collaboration between UNHCR and the humanitarian organization Intersos, which will oversee the selection and mentoring of participants. Volunteers are generally selected from among cultural mediators, students, lawyers, psychologists, workers, artists, social workers, restaurant owners, journalists, designers, and athletes. Each of them will take part in a training program consisting of online modules and in-person activities, designed to strengthen the skills needed to support their respective communities. Once trained, the volunteers will have the necessary skills to disseminate information about available services, identify emerging needs, and facilitate dialogue among refugees, institutions, local organizations, and social networks. The project involves approximately 30 volunteers, who in turn will help train and inform about 400 refugees and members of diaspora communities about their rights, opportunities, and access to local services. Through our support, we aim to help strengthen this path of participation and shared responsibility, highlighting the active role of refugees in building more inclusive communities. Because integration is not just an individual goal, but a collective process that stems from collaboration and mutual trust. Details Location: Milan, Rome, Naples, Turin Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Beneficiaries: approximately 30 volunteers and 400 refugees and members of diaspora communities Contribution: up to 200,000 euros Period: January 2026 – December 2026
