The crisis caused by the pandemic, wars, and economic crises does not only impact economics, but also mental and physical well-being and mental health, especially for those who are already vulnerable, like migrants. It worsens the gender gap, with social consequences and less global growth in productivity. It also affects companies, who remain cautious about hiring disadvantaged people.
In this situation, there is a risk of missing the great opportunity for social integration and economic contribution that work can offer. There is, therefore, a social need for support and assistance to cope with the complex dynamics of socially integrating disadvantaged people, those with disabilities or facing hardship, and placing them in employment. Only thus can they earn a livelihood and build a dignified life.
The project
Starting from this need, over time MagazziniOz has been able to develop an inclusive production environment with employment placement paths for disadvantaged individuals, transforming differences into points of strength that enrich everyone’s journey.
Work thus becomes a significant experience for disadvantaged people, promoting their autonomy through hospitality, catering, and the events sector with a particular focus on women. The “Diversity is beauty” project also proves an opportunity for raising the awareness of local businesses, offering a model for employing migrant workers in conditions of hardship, reducing discrimination and prejudice.
In 2019, the project won the Welcome Refugees award from the UNHCR, helping more than 70 beneficiaries to transform the limitations of the pandemic into opportunities for improving professional and soft skills through occupational training and employment placement.
The beneficiaries
The new edition of the MagazziniOz project involves 5 migrant women and men, including those with international protection, hired or on an apprenticeship at MagazziniOz, and approximately 20 disadvantaged teenagers and youth - migrants or people with disabilities or chronic disease - involved in orientation, professional training, and work placement at MagazziniOz. In addition, it involves approximately 20 teenagers from CasaOz or other, autonomy-fostering agencies, with benefits for their families.
Indirectly, the project has positive cascade effects for MagazziniOz customers (approximately 1,000 per year), since the service offered is continuously improved, and for local businesses that decide to adopt the proposed model.
Project name: Diversity is beauty
Proposing organisation: Magazzini Oz scs (nonprofit organisation)
Area of intervention: Inclusion & Social Development