Children's health and well-being are closely linked to the educational, social, and healthcare opportunities available in their communities. In areas affected by family hardship or complex migration experiences, access to specialized healthcare and preventive services can be limited, with lasting consequences for children's development and quality of life. To help reduce these inequalities, we have chosen to support SMILE: Health and Integrated Care for Children's Well-being, a project promoted by Casa della Comunità Speranza APS-ETS. The initiative is dedicated to children and young people in Mazara del Vallo who are living in conditions of social and economic vulnerability. Casa della Comunità Speranza APS-ETS is a social promotion organization founded in the town of Mazara del Vallo, located just over one hundred kilometers from the African coast and shaped by decades of significant migration flows. Over the years, thousands of Arabic-speaking families have settled in the area, contributing to the local community and fostering a stable and peaceful multicultural environment. Within this context, the association has established a youth community center that provides children and adolescents with a safe and inclusive environment where they can develop skills, pursue their interests, build their personal growth, and prevent educational poverty and school dropout. Working through a well-established network of schools, public institutions, and local organizations, the association delivers a wide range of educational and support activities for children and young people. These include language support for children with migrant backgrounds, academic tutoring, programs for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), creative workshops designed to nurture individual talents and interests, and initiatives for children aged 0 to 5, promoting inclusion and early childhood development from the very beginning of life. The SMILE project was created to promote the physical health and well-being of children aged 6 to 13 who are living in particularly vulnerable circumstances, providing them with access to specialized healthcare services that are often difficult for their families to obtain. The initiative offers free medical examinations and treatment pathways in the areas of: Ophthalmology (eye care) Dentistry Postural assessment and care These services are complemented by educational activities that promote healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare. The project will be delivered with the support of healthcare professionals and specialized partners, including Fondazione La Scuola del Sorriso, a physiotherapist from Body Mind, and a professional optician. We believe that investing in children's health means investing in the future of entire communities, creating the conditions that allow every child to reach their full potential. Details Location: Mazara del Vallo, Trapani Province, Sicily, Italy Organization: Casa della Comunità Speranza APS-ETS Beneficiaries: Children and young people aged 6 to 13 living in conditions of social and economic vulnerability Contribution: €45,000 Period: 18 months
