Migrants find work restoring Palermo church

(ANSAmed) - PALERMO, JUNE 20 - Ten foreigners with stay permits for humanitarian reasons who are currently being housed in three different migrant reception centres are ready to learn a new job and will be among the workers participating in the restoration of the San Giovanni dell'Origlione Church in Palermo, owned by the Italian Interior Ministry's Fund for Religious Buildings.
    The migrants will first take a professional training course and a course about on-the-job safety, and then they will begin work on the church's facade.
    "Starting this work experience from Ballarò is a wonderful thing because it's the most multi-cultural neighbourhood of Palermo," said Valentina Petralia from the social cooperative "La Fenice" in the town of Piana degli Albanesi. "Letting these young men live here and work is the most important thing for them".
    This will be possible thanks to "project work", an orientation training and work measure that is among the goals of Italy's Protection System for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (SPRAR).
    The protocol of intent for a pilot project heading in this direction was signed on Tuesday.
    Bari Suleiman, 39, from Guinea Bissau, said he came to Italy in 2014 after travelling the Mediterranean by boat.
    "My first camp was in Palermo, near here, then I transferred to can Cipirello in a community and I was very happy with my stay. I have to say thank you to the Italian government for the acceptance. They listened to us and listened well. We've received a lot of help here in Palermo. I'm happy to be here and be well," he said.
    Salifu Kongira, who just turned 18, is also smiling and thanking everyone.
    He came to Italy from Gambia with lots of hope for the future.
    "I disembarked in Syracuse, then I went to Palermo, to Piana degli Albanesi and San Cipriello. I'm happy that my home is here. You are all so kind to me. My future is tomorrow. I have lots of hope and I want to stay here," he said.
    Mohammed Raquim, who lives in the centre of the town of San Giuseppe Jato, arrived in Italy by boat in December 2015.
    "You all are kind and good; where I'm from you can't find this. It's hard for us to find work, and it's wonderful that you've found it for us. I can't say many words but I have many things in my heart," he said.
    The Interior Ministry financed the refurbishment for 16,000 euros, while the migrants will be paid with SPRAR work grants.(ANSAmed).