CESIE
CESIE is an NGO founded in 2001 based on experiences of our inspirer, sociologist Danilo Dolci. We work in the promotion of community development through capacity building and empowerment of individuals through educational and cultural initiatives with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. The organisation works towards the promotion of cultural, educational, scientific and economic development at both local and international levels through the employment of innovative and participative tools and methodologies.
Since 2001 we have carried out 400 projects and we have currently active 93 projects at local, EU and worldwide level. Through several of our projects, we’ve carried out training, awareness-raising, dissemination and research activities.
As per Danilo Dolci’s example, CESIE advocates the promotion of a non-violent and equal society, and deems education and training as the main instruments towards this objective.
CESIE can count on the support of 35 internal staff members, 50+ External Experts, 3 Offices in Sicily and 3 Offices in Nepal, India, Senegal. CESIE is also member of several networks and partnerships. In fact, in 2001, CESIE was granted the status of official partner by the University of Palermo. Through its accreditation with the European College of Parma, CERISDI, Università di Palermo, CESIE regularly hosts specialist students for work placements.
CESIE works in a multifaceted context. Sicily is, indeed, a land featured by multiple contradictions. On one hand, it is marked by a high unemployment rate, mainly affecting youth and women. On the other hand, youngsters are increasingly involved in social activities, and the so-called social entrepreneurship is spreading. Migration, a significant phenomenon in the local territory, contributes to make the region a cultural crossroads, and Palermo has become a multicultural city.
