Sicily: Land of Contrasts

Sicily, nestled between sea and mountains, offered us a journey rich in discovery and learning. As the home of Mount Etna, the island is both fascinating and deeply resilient.This mobility, which complemented our experience in Malta, was made possible through the Erasmus+ Capacité Plus project, co-funded by the European Union.

We sincerely thank Chiara Audia, head of the association LLL4EU, for her warm welcome, availability, and the meaningful exchanges that enriched this immersion.

LLL4EU is based in a working-class neighborhood of Bagheria, considered a “borderland” due to its proximity to Palermo. This area, marked by high unemployment—especially among youth—and a lack of infrastructure, faces many social challenges, including poor support for incoming migrants.The association is deeply committed to European initiatives (ESF, EU Structural Funds) aimed at improving social cohesion, promoting environmental and health education, advancing digital inclusion, and training young people. Their involvement in the local school network Bab El Gherib plays a vital role in tackling school dropout rates and developing inclusive educational practices.

These exchanges gave us valuable insights into the local reality and inspired us to consider transferable practices for our own work.

Day 1 – Palermo, City of Contrasts : Upon arrival, we explored Palermo, a city where historic grandeur stands side by side with visible hardship. This first day offered a glimpse into the cultural and social diversity of the city and helped us better understand the context in which the local association operates.

Day 2 – Local Engagement and Eco-Responsible Practices : We met with Chiara Audia, who introduced us to her organisation’s work and the daily challenges of implementing eco-friendly practices. Particular attention was given to the complex waste management system in Sicily.We also visited several historical churches that bear witness to the region’s rich heritage. The day provided concrete learning outcomes related to association management, local educational practices, and integrating sustainability into community actions.

Day 3 – Cultural and Civic Immersion : The day began with a visit to Cefalù, a charming coastal town, followed by a return to Bagheria to experience local traditions during Good Friday. A religious procession immersed us in the local fervour.In front of the town hall, we saw a powerful art installation created by the association in tribute to victims of femicide.We were also inspired by creative ecological awareness initiatives across the city: springtime decorations made from recycled materials brightened the streets and carried strong messages.The day concluded with meaningful discussions on future European collaborations.

Day 4 – A Cultural Closure : Our final stop took us to the magnificent Teatro Massimo. This visit invited us to reflect on the role of cultural institutions in promoting European values and marked the end of our trip with an artistic touch.

An Unforgettable Experience : Throughout this mobility, we strengthened our professional skills, enriched our educational approaches, and built valuable human connections.We return home with concrete ideas to apply in our work—on eco-responsibility, informal pedagogy, and civic participation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks once again to our hosts and the Erasmus+ programme for this beautiful journey.