Why ALMA Matters for the Future of Young People in Italy

Meet Alessia Amato, a young woman from Sicily, Italy, who found herself caught in a quiet storm of doubt.

Despite holding a degree in Communication Studies, she was stuck in that all-too-familiar in-between space faced by many young Europeans – no job, no further studies, and no clear path forward.

“I was very confused and didn’t know what I wanted,” she recalls. “I tried to escape my fear of the future but just ended up procrastinating. Everything felt complicated, and I couldn’t figure out how to get started.”

Luckily, that all changed thanks to a chance conversation.

A Turning Point

Her uncle had overheard someone speaking about a project at a university called AmuNEET – part of the broader ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve) initiative, co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus Social Innovation+ initiative. In Sicily, it was implemented by the European Centre of Studies and Initiatives (CESIE ETS).

The project was designed for young people aged 18–29 who were not in education, employment, or training. It offered hands-on training in Sicily, a work-related learning experience with mentoring in another EU country (Spain, Portugal, or Greece), and continued support upon returning to Italy. For Alessia, it sounded like a lifeline.

“When I read about ALMA, my eyes lit up – it was everything I was looking for,” she says. “But even then, I was scared to apply. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone.”

Eventually, she overcame her inner fears and applied anyway. And she got in.

A Step into the Unknown

Alongside 23 other young people from Sicily, Alessia began her journey with the AmuNEET project. The first few months were dedicated to training, covering a wide range of topics, including language skills, emotional resilience, and personal development.

It wasn’t always easy, but the group became a support system.

“Making friends in that space was essential,” she says. “It helped me get through the first three months of training without fear holding me back because all of us were going through the same emotional rollercoaster.”

Then came the real leap. Alessia was selected for a six-month placement in Portugal – her first-ever work experience. For someone who had never lived abroad, it was a seismic shift.

“Everything was unfamiliar – the culture, the people, the work environment,” she says. “But we weren’t alone. Our mentors in Sicily and the host team in Portugal made sure we felt safe and supported.”

Her work-related learning experience in a communications office marked a turning point. It wasn’t just a job – it was a hands-on opportunity to apply what she’d studied.

Alessia learned how to manage social media, use digital tools, and, unexpectedly, fell in love with video editing.

“I made the final video for the whole Portuguese group,” she beams. “Visiting other participants’ workplaces, filming, editing, and making that video was one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done.”

Growth Through Challenge

Of course, not everything came easily. Alessia shared a house with seven other people, which tested her boundaries.

“I’d only ever shared space with family, so finding balance was a challenge,” she says. “But living together taught me so much: patience, mutual understanding, and the importance of setting personal boundaries.”

One moment stands out. Early in the work-related learning experience, Alessia’s group took a trip to Lisbon.

“We stepped off the train, and everything hit me – the colours, the smells, the steep streets. I turned to the others and said, ‘I think I’ve just fallen in love.’ From that moment on, Portugal gave me something special every single day.”

ALMA provided Alessia and other participants with a unique opportunity to experience life and work in another EU country, which was an eye-opener for many.

Coming Home, Changed

Returning back to Sicily, however, proved to be harder than expected.

“I felt so at ease in Portugal that I was afraid to start over back at home,” she recalls. “But this time, I had the support of my mentors, and I was equipped with new skills and confidence.”

Back in Italy, Alessia continued to receive support with her reintegration and job search. That’s when her journey came full circle.

Today, she is an intern at CESIE ETS, the very organisation that helped her take that first step.

“I now work on projects like the one that changed my life – doing what I love,” she says. “I’m still learning, still growing, and I hope to keep doing so.”

More Than One Story

Alessia’s journey is not unique. According to Bala Ram Gaire, Project Coordinator for AmuNEET, her transformation reflects the broader impact of the initiative.

“Participants experienced significant improvements in their self-confidence, soft skills, intercultural competence, leadership, and resilience,” he explains. “Our data showed increased self-reflection, life satisfaction, and a sense of hope.”

But the project didn’t only support individuals – it built connections. Transnational partnerships were formed. Local organisations expanded their networks. The system began to shift.

“AmuNEET allowed us to help young people and strengthen ties with like-minded organisations in other European countries,” Gaire adds. “It also raised awareness and boosted engagement among youth and stakeholders, including policymakers.”

A Europe That Feels Like Home

For Alessia, what once felt distant and abstract, phrases like “European project” or “cross-border collaboration”, now feels real and personal.

“This experience showed me how the European Union works in practice,” she says. “I finally feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

When asked what advice she’d give to others in the same situation she once faced, Alessia hopes her story might serve as encouragement.

“If I hadn’t summoned all my courage and submitted that application, I wouldn’t be here,” she smiles. “It allowed me to grow and challenge myself, but I quickly realised the challenges weren’t as complex as I’d thought. It’s never too late to start living your life to the fullest.”

“I’m not rushing anymore,” she adds. “I’ve realised everyone has their own pace. I was lucky to have an experience like this, and it was the best choice I could’ve made.”

Learn more: AmuNEET project

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