Voices from BLUEFRONT

FILEF promotes the integration and social inclusion of the most vulnerable people — particularly migrants, refugees and unaccompanied foreign minors — in the provinces of Potenza and Matera in Basilicata. It manages reception centres (CAS and SAI) and carries out social, cultural, linguistic and work projects in collaboration with public and private bodies, promoting intercultural coexistence based on solidarity, respect for diversity and equal opportunities. In recent years, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal, it has also launched environmental and social sustainability projects, combining the inclusion of migrants and environmental regeneration through reforestation and sustainable agriculture activities.

Thanks to its experience, FILEF is now a point of contact between the local area, institutions and the migrant community, which is reflected in the BLUEFRONT project, where it contributes to spreading good practices in reception, inclusion and sustainability, promoting fairer and more inclusive models of local development.

During the training of youth and youth workers held in Matera, Arianna took part as a junior trainer and facilitator. As it was her first real training experience, she says that “it felt like living a double role — both as a trainer and as a learner. Those were five intense days, full of new challenges, discoveries and moments of human and professional exchange that made me rediscover how teamwork and dialogue can enrich people in unexpected ways. Being part of this journey made me feel proud to say: “I’m here and I’m here now!” — which perfectly captures the very spirit of the BLUEFRONT project.

Angelo took part as trainee; he studied Environmental Toxicology Ecotoxicology and Sustainability and has been directly involved in Fridays for Future initiatives and events. He found it “very moving to see how environmental issues related to water and its management can bring together people and countries from all over the world. Seeing everyone so enthusiastic, engaged and full of ideas gave him “great hope for the future”.

Andrea, who works for a Noi Ortadini — a social association in Matera that promotes sustainable farming — and joined the project as trainee as well, said he felt “deeply engaged by the group’s genuine interest and that sharing experiences helped him grow his knowledge and awareness.”

Also Umar, who arrived in Italy from Pakistan in 2023 and started to work as a social operator in FILEF and joined the project as a trainee, affirmed that “This training enhanced his ability to contribute to water conservation initiatives at both local and global levels.”

This project is, quite literally, a hopeful look towards the future. The essence of BLUEFRONT lies in this belief: trusting new generations and recognizing that real change will come through them. We entrust our future to their hands, confident that they will do better than we have so far — with greater awareness, sensitivity and a renewed sense of responsibility toward the world we share.