Between 2011 and 2021, over 150 young people sought and found a home and a future.
Foreign, unaccompanied minors, they transformed into responsible adults through their own commitment and the opportunities offered by the Italian Republic.
Lunarossa—written as a single word: this was the name given to our reception project for young people who arrived alone on our shores.
Over time, the name split in two, following grammatical rules.
But Lunarossa was born from the heart before the mind; it was born from listening to the stories of many migrants who, in the darkness of the open sea—aboard a battered nutshell of a boat, tossed by the waves—saw only one light: that of the moon.
Lunarossa became a new home and a new family for more than one hundred and fifty young people who, with our support, continue to see a light even amidst the deepest darkness of poignant, painful memories—memories of a life left behind and another beginning here.
Lunarossa was founded on July 31, 2011, in response to the arrival of many young North Africans—predominantly males—during the Arab Spring. (Marina Frigerio, editor of this issue of Alogon)
We are therefore celebrating its tenth anniversary with a special issue of Alogon that brings together the stories of those who were welcomed and those who chose to welcome them.
It explores transformations and spaces of community; the nostalgia and the possible futures built thanks to a network that walks together and continues to foster a shared humanity. Click here to download the new issue of Alogon
Contents
3. Lunarossa: a light in the dark. How many people can say there was a full moon last night—and actually appreciate it? “Sandy Miller”
5. 150 faces, 150 gazes, 150 stories. Ten years that transformed our lives
6. Lunarossa and the Comunità Progetto Sud. The Community has steadily evolved into a group of groups and networks—of which the Lunarossa Community is also a part
7. A springboard to independence. Vocational training
8. On the Moon – Gianni Rodari. The moon belongs to dreamers, not bureaucrats—just like the Lunarossa Community!
9. Tools of the trade. Gaining experience with local businesses
11. Support that takes root. *Tutela Oltre* (Guardianship and Beyond) – Going beyond legal requirements
11. “Suleiman is one of us now.” Antonella’s experience as a guardian
12. Hope reborn at Lunarossa. The strength of the interdisciplinary team
15. Defending rights by building trust. Legal guardianship at Lunarossa
18. From youth in care to community worker. Ousman, 25, Gambian
20. Yussuf builds his future. The nightmare of the journey, arriving at Luna Rossa, and the progress of a young Gambian man
23. I wanted to study, but there was a war. Hussain, 16, Pakistani
25. Born under the same sky
25. I ask you for protection and help. Karim, 16, Egyptian
27. Building bridges to grow together. Socio-cultural and recreational activities at Lunarossa
29. Moments of daily life. From the Lunarossa diary
32. To win, we must function as a team. What soccer teaches us
33. In the Lunarossa kitchen. Senegalese Mafé
34. Tapalapa bread (Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea)
35. Story of a journey to…
36. I imagine a world full of lively, happy young people
38. Service organizational chart
38. Best wishes, Lunarossa! Past and present residents wish for a vibrant present and a happy future
39. 10 things to know about the global refugee phenomenon
