My choice of community service led me to work with the Wellbeing & Development Department of the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town. On the one hand, we work to support migrants in meeting their basic needs and (re)building their autonomy, and on the other hand we curate Women’s Platform, a personal growth and practical skills development course for migrant women, an opportunity to network, share resources and generate integration.

This experience for me is a constant learning: for those who dream of making this kind of project their life’s work, every activity is valuable and every task is meaningful. From administrative management to communication, from course planning to Women’s Platform meetings, everything finds value in serving people.

It is continuous growth on a personal level as well. I remember perfectly well how I made it clear from day one that I am not the kind of person to share what I feel, emotions, concerns, personal plans. Instead, a couple of months later, the team I work with has become a second family; the people I live with are home away from home. Each day begins with a round of hugs and sincere “how are you?” Every day is a sharing of joys and satisfactions, it is a challenge to be honest with myself and open with those around me, to put my labors on the table and welcome those of others, cultivating in me a way of being human that truly allows us to walk together.

If you are a girl or boy between the ages of 18 and 29, you can participate in the Call for Proposals for Civil Service 2023 with FOCSIV, in Italy and abroad. Among the different projects you can choose to apply for ASCS’ project in South Africa (Cape Town) and walk alongside us in support of migrants, refugees and local communities.