Beyond every border: ESC in CASAPESENNA 2021/2022

A Year of Transformation and Social Entrepreneurship

Between May 2021 and May 2022, Il Paguro Ostello in Casapesenna was not just a place of hospitality, but the focal point of an important social change initiative. Thanks to the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program, six young volunteers from Spain, Portugal, and Greece dedicated eight months to transforming a property confiscated from organized crime into a genuine youth gathering center. Their goal? To create opportunities for local youth and promote social inclusion in a community that has lived under the shadow of crime.

A European-Wide Initiative.

The experience of the volunteers was much more than just operational support. The project served as a bridge between the local community and the opportunities offered by Europe, integrating values of solidarity, active participation, and social entrepreneurship. Through the initiative “Social Entrepreneurship in Confiscated Assets,” promoted by Giosef Italy, six new international volunteers from Portugal, Spain, and Greece continued this journey, helping to breathe new life into confiscated properties in the Agro-Aversano area. These spaces, once symbols of criminal power, have been transformed into places of community engagement and sustainable development.

The Role of Volunteers: Creating Opportunities, Building Community

During the project year, the volunteers actively participated in the daily management of the Paguro Ostello, ensuring the maintenance of the spaces and providing support in welcoming guests and Erasmus+ projects. This work allowed them to acquire skills in hospitality and youth center management, strengthening their problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

In addition to the practical management of the hostel, the volunteers developed a strong digital presence, taking care of website updates, newsletters, and social media management. They created multimedia content and promotional materials to raise awareness within the local and international community about Giosef Italy’s activities and the opportunities offered by the network of confiscated assets.

The commitment of the volunteers then extended to organizing awareness campaigns and local events. Through cultural activities, workshops, and seminars, they encouraged dialogue among young people in the area, promoting active participation and a sense of citizenship. By working closely with the community, they created opportunities for discussion and growth, contributing to strengthening social cohesion.

Another fundamental aspect of their journey was supporting the activities of local organizations and the network of confiscated assets. By collaborating with local partners, the volunteers helped transform these spaces into centers for training, culture, and inclusion, demonstrating that repurposing confiscated assets can represent a concrete opportunity for change in the territory.

Learning and Development: Growing through Solidarity

This experience allowed the volunteers to develop essential skills in various areas. They deepened their understanding of the social issues in the territory, learning to recognize and address challenges related to marginalization and inclusion. Through their work with local associations, they grasped the value of active citizenship and democratic participation, acquiring useful tools to promote social change.

The project also had a significant impact on their personal and professional growth. They were able to explore topics related to non-formal education and training, developing innovative methodologies to engage young people in active learning pathways. Additionally, they explored the world of social entrepreneurship, discovering ethical and sustainable business models capable of creating a positive impact on the community.

Creativity and culture played a key role in this process. The volunteers used art, photography, and digital communication to raise awareness in the territory and stimulate new forms of expression and participation. Through these tools, they shared stories of redemption and transformation, demonstrating how culture can be a vehicle for social change.

An Experience of Solidarity that leaves a Mark

For the volunteers, this year of service was not just an opportunity for growth, but a true journey of transformation. Working side by side with the community of Casapesenna, they left a tangible mark on the territory, helping to rewrite the narrative of a place often associated with stories of illegality.

Through volunteering, social enterprise, and youth activism, they demonstrated that change is possible, even in the most complex contexts. Their experience remains an example of how European solidarity can translate into concrete actions capable of generating a lasting impact on people’s lives and communities.