U buntu is a voluntary association which was founded in 2006 in the heart of Ballarò, a poor district in the historical city centre of Palermo. The objective is to help and give support to the families of immigrants who live and work in our town. The centre also provides information and assistance to get a stay permit, family reunion, welcoming etc…

In the morning Ubuntu is a baby-parking for younger children who do not attend school or have no place in municipal kindergarten. The kids are entertained by volunteers with fun activities. Another service Ubuntu offers is a medium-sized bus to pick up children daily from primary and elementary school: they are taken to Ubuntu where they have a healthy lunch. After lunch it is time for studying: several voluntary workers help the children with their homework.

Every afternoon some teachers in cooperation with volunteers from the middle school “Peppino Impastato organize Italian lessons and help immigrants to achieve the Italian middle school graduation. The centre provides also a counselling support to service users and their families. Psycologists and cultural mediators are willing to offer their important contribution

The aims of Ubuntu are the integration of the people, solidarity, peace, and making friends, and make everyone understand that no matter the skin colour or the traditions of a single person, but the important is the person as a human being.

The activities include: Support for daily needs – accompany to school, prepare food, help with homework; Game activities Artistic activities Musical activities Group activities

Cultural activities: Promoting integration Work with children’s parents Foreign language courses Work with schools and local organizations to create collaborative networks for the organization of film festival, intercultural parties

Each volunteer is supported to help them develop the following skills: Knowledge and openness to different cultures and different lifestyle Learning of Italian language Development of interpersonal communication and conflict resolutions skills A sense of European citizenship Intercultural learning Autonomy and independence