Who We Are

WHO WE ARE

Mediterranean Hope (MH) is the refugee and migrant programme of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, funded in large part by the Otto Per Mille tax allocation of the Waldensian Evangelical Church – Union of Methodist and Waldensian Churches, and by other Italian and foreign Protestant churches and donors.
MH was established in the aftermath of the shipwreck of 3 October 2013 when, a few miles from the island of Lampedusa, 368 people died in the attempt to reach Italy across the Mediterranean Sea.
MH aims to support migrants with their right to migrate, applications for protection, self- determination, solidarity activities, reception, implementation of safe and legal pathways, advocacy, and awareness-raising on issues of social justice, rights and discrimination. MH operates in various border areas working with local communities, churches, civil society and institutions.

COORDINATION AND ADVOCACY

In Rome In Rome, the central office coordinates the reception for participants in our humanitarian corridors programmes; it deals with coordination and advocacy; it also cooperates with churches, civil society and institutions in awareness-raising campaigns.

WELCOMING AND MONITORING

The Migration Observatory has been active in Lampedusa since 2014 and it provides an initial welcome to those arriving by boat, mediates, collects data and stories, and networks with the local community.

RECEPTION

The House of Many Cultures in Scicli (RG) welcomes people who are particularly vulnerable , such as those who arrive via the Humanitarian Corridors; it facilitates their integration and organises social and cultural initiatives.

SAFE PASSAGE

Humanitarian corridors are safe and legal pathways which enable vulnerable people who have fled their country to enter Italy . MH mainly assists refugees living in Lebanon but the corridors are a model which is being replicated throughout Europe.

TACKLING EXPLOITATION

In the Piana di Gioia Tauro (Calabria) MH assists labourers living in exploitative conditions. With the brand 'Etika' it promotes the production of fair trade oranges and runs a social hostel which provides decent accommodation and suppports the right to housing.

BALKAN ROUTE

In Bosnia, on the border with Croatia, MH's day centre assists people on the move by offering clothes, a laundry service, showers and a cafeteria. With a therapeutic climbing centre , it provides a space for relationships and inclusion for the local community and migrants.