Tandem

TANDEM

Born in January 2016 thanks to the solidarity of an association that provided us with an apartment on loan for free use, Tandem is a project of intercultural co-housing between young Italians and young protection holders leaving the SIPROIMI reception path. It was created with the idea that sharing everyday life can help participants develop strategies to overcome, together, the precariousness and daily difficulties common to young students and workers, while fostering mutual support and autonomy. Tandem not only offers a co-housing experience; it is also a community and civic engagement workshop. Participants in the project are encouraged to take part in active citizenship and volunteer activities organized by CIAC in collaboration with other associations in the area (such as the MIGRANTOUR initiative). The project was funded for the two-year period 2018–2020 by the Otto Per Mille Fund of the Ministry of the Interior.

From the beginning (2016) to today (2019) 35 young people participated, of which 22 refugees/ foreigners with other pds and 13 Italians, all finished the project having achieved economic autonomy and housing. This was also possible thanks to the solidarity of the city, 2 of the 3 apartments of Tandem in fact were made available through a free loan from a religious association and a private town.
Who can participate: the project is aimed at young Italians and foreigners regularly staying between the ages of 19 and 30 years who wish to have an experience of intercultural coexistence and service.
The project lasts one year and involves:

Participation in the costs of managing the apartment and sharing moments of conviviality;
Participation in awareness-raising activities in schools, in voluntary associations... Activities are planned with CIAC;
Monitoring and mediation to coexistence;
Citizenship workshops.

How to participate:
The coexistence and co-management of shared spaces offer opportunities to explore new forms of living together and fostering autonomy in a multicultural context, where Italian participants and refugees collaborate as equals. While challenges may occasionally arise, and expectations or needs do not always align, successful coexistence requires preparation and cannot be left to chance.
If you are interested or simply curious about the project, please fill out this short online form. CIAC operators will contact you without any obligation.
If, after an initial interview, you confirm your willingness to participate in the project, a pathway of mutual understanding and deeper engagement will begin.
You are welcome to express your availability at any time, as there is no specific deadline to join.