- BY ISSIMO
- August 18, 2023
Three Italian NGOs to Know and Love
On World Humanitarian Day, we look at three non-profits making a difference
World Humanitarian Day is a crucial annual occurrence that highlights the significance of humanitarian efforts worldwide. Celebrated on August 19 each year, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges and global crises that affect millions of vulnerable people, while also paying respect to aid workers and volunteers who provide essential assistance and relief to those in need – whether due to natural disasters and conflicts or physical disabilities.
Countless NGOs work tirelessly to make people’s lives better. They all deserve our attention. Today, however, we’re spotlighting three that are especially close to our hearts and our ethos at the Pellicano hotels. Get to know them and consider getting involved. The advocacy they do is fundamental.
Associazione Cestistica Ischia & Baskin
A non-governmental organisation based in Ischia, Associazione Cestistica Ischia is dedicated to promoting the sport of basketball among the youth on the Green Island, to provide opportunities for children and teenagers to engage in healthy physical activities and develop essential life skills through sports. As of 2020, the group has also launched a ‘Baskin’ division – a team sport played by disabled and able-bodied people together. The term “baskin” is the union of “basketball” and “inclusive,” and the game is just that: A democratic, inclusive competition with its own set of rules designed to allow anyone – whether with a visible disability or not – to take part.
To date, Ischia Baskin has made weaves in all the tournaments it’s participated in – in 2022, it won the Campania championship – proving that sport knows no boundaries.
PizzAut
PizzAut was launched in 2017 with the aim of raising awareness among institutions and civil society on the issue of employability of autistic people. Ever since then, however, the association has not limited itself to organising conferences. Instead, it set itself the ambitious project of opening the first pizzeria in Italy run by autistic personnel. You’ll find it in Monza, just outside Milan, where it debuted this year, marking a shift in the way we think about autism.
Besides the pies, the organisation offers a wide range of services, including personalised educational support, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counselling. They also organise workshops and training sessions for parents and caregivers to better understand autism and learn effective strategies for providing support and care.
As for the pizza, well, it’s fantastic – as is PizzAut, which has become a real gathering place in town, away from hectic rhythms and run by a truly special staff.
Dynamo Camp
Dynamo Camp is a prominent NGO in Italy that runs therapeutic recreational camps for children and adolescents with serious illnesses. The organisation’s mission is to offer these young individuals a unique opportunity to experience joy, fun, and adventure despite their medical conditions.
Activities range from arts and crafts to sports and nature exploration. Each program is designed to encourage emotional healing, boost self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging among the campers. It’s invaluable work, and it provides a much-needed respite for young patients, allowing them to temporarily escape the hardships of medical treatments and hospital stays. More than that, the camp’s inclusive and supportive environment fosters friendships, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of hope among the children and their families. Sometimes, that’s more than enough.
