ROME – After more than two years of the pandemic, and now in the context of the war in Ukraine, the Sant'Egidio Community returns with a summer educational program advocating friendship and solidarity with the poor, refugees, and the elderly.

 In the second half of June, as a part of the Summer School, free educational summer centres will open, scattered throughout Italy. They will mainly be dedicated to children from the outskirts of the city, and this year also to Ukrainian refugee children who have fled from the war and will be welcomed by the community in the months to come.

 In Rome, the Summer Schools will be open in 24 districts with the participation of around 1,200 young people. They will also be open in numerous other cities around Italy. 

 Sant’Egidio is also planning some events at the lake, at the sea and in the mountains for people with disabilities, the elderly affected by the pandemic and for the homeless, who with the support of community are given the chance to change their paths.

 With elderly people in mind, Sant’Egidio extended the team of volunteers will continue to monitor them every day with phone calls and visits during the summerto prevent the risks associated with loneliness and heat.

 This year, Solidarity Summer Holidays is also aimed at immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Italy has summer Italian language courses and cultural events scheduled to respond to the growing demand for a knowledge of Italian artistic heritage. Numerous initiatives will be held from July to August in all European countries, including refugee camps on the island of Cyprus and in Greece.

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