Creating bonds through laughter: Emergency Smile’s mission in Calabria, Italy

From 22 September to 19 October 2024, RED NOSES International’s Emergency Smile team embarked on a mission to Calabria, Italy. Calabria, one of the country’s poorest regions, has become a critical point of arrival for people seeking refuge via treacherous sea journeys from Türkiye or North Africa. For many unaccompanied minors, Calabria represents a new beginning after harrowing experiences that are etched in their eyes.

Supporting unaccompanied minors in the integration process

The mission’s focus was on supporting unaccompanied minors in their integration process, providing them with moments of joy and relief as they adapt to life in a new country. The team primarily worked with minors living in centres across Calabria and had the rare opportunity to visit one of the hotspots where individuals on the move arrive and stay for a few days.

The Circus Smileworkshops offered an engaging and playful environment, helping the team to create connections with the children. What made this mission particularly special was also the time spent outside the workshops. Sharing meals with these kids and teenagers provided an opportunity to build trust and bond on a deeper level.

Through these efforts, the mission reached 692 people, including 384 children and youth—of whom 316 were unaccompanied minors—and 308 adults.

Reaching out to people with disabilities and aid workers

In addition to working with unaccompanied minors, the team collaborated with local organisations to extend the mission’s impact. They conducted activities with people with disabilities, offering joyful and inclusive experiences that brought smiles and moments of connection to another vulnerable group within the community.

The team also organised four Humour Relief Workshops with all the main partner organisations, equipping aid workers with tools to bring lightness and emotional relief to their daily work.

Conclusion

The mission in Calabria underscored the power of shared experiences—whether through playful workshops or simple meals—to break barriers and foster trust. For unaccompanied minors and vulnerable groups, these connections offered not just moments of joy but pathways to healing and belonging.

RED NOSES International is committed to continuing our work to bring laughter, hope, and healing to those most in need. 

If you would like to contribute to future missions like the ones in Italy, please visit this link. Your support means the world to us!