Proposed by: Nazareno Società Cooperativa Sociale – Type A. Based in: Carpi (Modena). In collaboration with: the Social Services Department of the Municipality of Carpi.

1. Project Background and Purpose

For the third consecutive year, the Nazareno Cooperative wishes to offer a welcoming experience of social interaction and well-being to a group of 10 Ukrainian children aged 7–16 from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Institutional background: the Friendship Agreement between Carpi and Boyarka

In April 2024, the Municipality of Carpi formalized a Friendship Agreement with the City of Boyarka, Ukraine, establishing a lasting and meaningful relationship based on solidarity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace and fundamental rights.

Signed at a particularly difficult time for the Ukrainian population, the agreement aims to promote international relations between local authorities, encouraging initiatives involving cultural exchange, hospitality, education, and support for the most vulnerable groups, particularly children.

The “A Welcome in Solidarity – Summer Stay for Ukrainian Children” project is a concrete initiative arising from this agreement, putting the two cities’ shared intentions into practice. Through collaboration between public authorities, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations, the initiative aims to:

• turn the Agreement’s values into firsthand experiences;
• promote a culture of peace and solidarity;
• build international relationships at the grassroots level;
• strengthen the role of local communities in cooperation.

The active involvement of the Municipality of Carpi’s Social Services Department confirms the initiative’s institutional significance and its full alignment with the commitments made by the local community.

2. Project Objectives

Offer Ukrainian children facing difficulties a period of psychological relief and physical well-being.

Promote inclusion through educational and recreational activities in safe settings.

Strengthen bonds of international and interinstitutional solidarity.

Encourage intercultural exchange between Ukrainian children and their Italian peers.

3. About Us – Nazareno Società Cooperativa Sociale

Nazareno Società Cooperativa Sociale is a Type A social cooperative founded in Carpi in 1990 by Father Ivo Silingardi, operating in educational and social services. For over thirty years, the cooperative has been dedicated to caring for, welcoming, and promoting the well-being of people, with particular attention to children and young people experiencing social, family, or personal vulnerability.

Mission

THE COOPERATIVE OPERATES ON A NONPROFIT BASIS, INSPIRED BY CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, WITH THE AIM OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY’S GENERAL INTEREST THROUGH:

• The provision of social care, healthcare, and educational services for people with disabilities and, more broadly, people experiencing social exclusion.
• Productive activities in manufacturing, employment, and services.
• Vocational training and lifelong learning.

Vision

Nazareno envisions a fairer, more inclusive, and cooperative society in which every individual—starting with the most vulnerable—can feel welcomed, involved, and able to shape their own growth. The cooperative works to build communities that nurture learning and development, respond to real needs, and foster shared well-being.

Guiding Values

Hospitality: offering a safe physical and social environment where everyone feels recognized and valued.

Closeness to communities: working locally with a commitment to listening, being present, and collaborating.

Educational responsibility: supporting children and young people on their life journeys with professionalism and compassion.

Social justice: reducing inequalities and defending the rights of the most vulnerable.

Cooperation: promoting networks among public bodies, private organizations, citizens, and institutions.

Putting people first: in accordance with Christian principles, every individual is seen as part of a network of meaningful relationships that strengthen their sense of responsibility and their abilities.

Participants

10 Ukrainian children (aged 7–16)

2 educators from Boyarka

1 coordinator from the Nazareno Cooperative

6 educators from the Nazareno Cooperative serving as volunteers

4. Dates and Structure of the Stay

• Dates: June 29–July 7, 2025
• Locations:
  Carpi (June 29–30 and July 5–6)
  Pesaro (July 1–5)

5. Planned Activities

In Carpi:
Welcome and settling in. Play activities and creative workshops. Meetings with peers living in the Cooperative’s residential communities for children and young people.

In Pesaro:
Beach and recreational activities. Group games and opportunities to spend time together. Excursions in the local area.

6. Staff Involved

Project coordinator (Nazareno Cooperative)

Ukrainian educators

Local volunteers

7. Social Impact of the Project

Impact on Ukrainian children

For the 10 Ukrainian children involved, the stay offers a meaningful and potentially transformative experience in several ways:

• Psychological relief: a peaceful period away from a war zone, with access to safe spaces, nature, play activities, and positive relationships.
• Mental and physical well-being: the opportunity to spend time in stimulating, welcoming environments, with care, healthy food, and consistent educational support.
• Personal growth: through play, workshops, and interaction with Italian peers, the children develop social skills, self-confidence, and tools for greater independence.
• Positive memories: the stay creates happy, life-affirming memories during a period of their lives marked by trauma and uncertainty.

Impact on host communities

• Inclusion and active citizenship: shared activities between the Ukrainian children and those living in the Nazareno Cooperative’s residential communities promote intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and a welcoming culture.
• Local involvement: the Carpi community plays an active role in the project, supported by collaboration with the Social Services Department. Volunteers, educators, and residents engage with an international situation, strengthening bonds of solidarity.
• Awareness: the project also provides an opportunity to raise local awareness of the importance of peace, support for children facing difficulties, and international cooperation.

Systemic Impact

A replicable example: the initiative, which has already been running for two years, can serve as a model for other communities and areas. It demonstrates how collaboration among public authorities, nonprofit organizations, and foundations can have a real, measurable impact on people’s lives.

International relations: the bond between Carpi and the community of Boyarka is strengthened, consolidating an informal network of international cooperation focused on children’s rights.

Funding Request

THE NAZARENO COOPERATIVE IS SEEKING FINANCIAL SUPPORT. PARTIAL FUNDING OF THE PROJECT IS ALSO WELCOME, FOR EXAMPLE:

• €1,000 for fuel and tolls
• €2,000 for the stay in Carpi
• €1,750 for management and coordination

Funding Approved

Fondazione Irma Romagnoli is committed to supporting the project with a contribution of €2,000.