Co-ordinators and members of the newly established regional intercultural networks of Cyprus participated in a study visit to Italian intercultural cities in the region of Emilia Romagna (29 May-1 June). The networks learnt about the good intercultural practices and projects in the cities of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Novellara.

In Modena, the group learnt about the “Foreign Office” where information and assistance is provided to migrants and vulnerable people in the city, they visited the “House of Culture”, as well as MEMO (Multicentro Educativo Modena) where they learnt about the promotion of bilingualism/languages of origin, as well as the role of intercultural mediators. The group were welcomed at the town hall by Councillor Francesca Pinelli, who discussed the importance of interculturalism for the city.

In Reggio Emilia, the group were invited to witness the citizenship ceremony in the town hall, they also exchanged with staff from the Intercultural Centre “Mondinsieme” on their activities. A group of students presented their anti-rumours campaign and had a lively discussion with the study visitors on where stereotypes come from. The members of the Cypriot networks visited the art installation “Di cosa hai paura?/What are you afraid of?” in the city museum, and learnt how it was designed through an intercultural participative process. They also had a walking tour and learnt about the intercultural community work at street level of the associations “Via Roma Zero” and “Communita Impossibile”.

In Novellara, the group were welcomed by the Mayor Elena Carletti, who explained why interculturalism and inter-religious dialogue and cooperation is a priority for the city. The group visited the Rosa dei Venti, a community centre of the city which has many activities and projects to assist with the integration of migrant women as well as assistance for all women in the community. The group then had the opportunity to visit and discuss with faith-based communities at their places of worship: Sikh Temple, Hindu Temple, Orthodox Church and a Mosque.

The participants in the study visit expressed their appreciation at learning from the rich experience of the Italian Intercultural cities in Emilia Romagna and being able to exchange with them about how the Italian cities overcame their challenges at the beginning of their intercultural journeys.

This study visit was implemented in the framework of the “Building structures for intercultural integration in Cyprus” project which is being carried out with funding from the European Union, via its Structural Reform Support Programme, and in co-operation with the European Commission's DG for Structural Reform Support.