The House of Smiles 

The Zecchino-Mazzarona district of Syracuse is characterized by economic, social and cultural fragility. School dropout and unemployment rates are high, as is the risk of social exclusion for minors and families. The lack of stable educational facilities and the difficult access to local services accentuate psychosocial distress and inequalities, making an intervention that offers concrete opportunities for growth, training and integration urgent.

CESVI's "Case del Sorriso" Program, active in Italy and in 7 countries around the world, proposes a participatory methodology co-built with local partners and local services. This approach, based on protection, equity and empowerment, ensures the replicability of the model and a strong rooting in communities.

What the project involves

The project promotes social inclusion, equal opportunities and development of relational, decision-making and emotional skills of minors and vulnerable caregivers.
The activities, carried out in collaboration with the local educational and social network, include sports, artistic and educational workshops, psychological support courses and listening spaces.

Consistent with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 10 and 11 of the UN 2030 Agenda, the project contributes to community cohesion and sustainable development, strengthening the capacity of beneficiaries to actively participate in social and educational life. Over 700 hours of structured activities are planned, aimed at improving participants' autonomy, self-esteem and relational skills.

The beneficiaries

The project directly involves 150 beneficiaries: 100 minors between 6 and 17 years old and 50 adults or caregivers from contexts marked by socioeconomic hardship.
Indirect beneficiaries include families, teachers, school workers and other members of the educational community, who will be reached thanks to the territorial collaboration network and awareness-raising activities.

Through networking, the Casa del Sorriso in Syracuse becomes a stable point of reference for the neighborhood, contributing to creating paths of personal growth, social inclusion and collective well-being.

Project name: La Casa del Sorriso di Siracusa
Proposing organisation: CESVI Fondazione - ETS
Area of intervention: Inclusion & Social Development
Country: Italy