ALMA Andalucía: Mobility and Social Inclusion in Palermo

ALMA project

Project Reference: SC/IAA/0013/2025
Project Duration: January–December 2026
Mobility in Palermo: 13 September–26 November 2026
Funding Programme: European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Andalucía 2021–2027
Promoting Organisation: Asociación Andalucía Emplea Más
Host Organisation in Italy: FICUS ETS
Location: Palermo, Sicily, Italy

The ALMA Andalucía Initiative supports young people who are not currently in employment, education or training by offering them a structured pathway combining preparation, international mobility and support for their social and professional inclusion.

As the local host organisation in Palermo, FICUS ETS coordinates a mobility experience for 16 participants and two accompanying tutors from Spain, providing traineeship placements, mentoring, language learning, cultural activities and comprehensive logistical support.

Objectives

The objectives of the project are:

Improve participants’ employability and professional skills through practical work experience;
Support the social, educational and professional inclusion of young people facing barriers;
Develop transversal skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving;
Strengthen participants’ autonomy, self-confidence and sense of responsibility;
Promote intercultural learning and active European citizenship;
Improve participants’ Italian language and communication skills;
Support participants in returning to education, training or the labour market after the mobility.

Activities

The mobility programme in Palermo includes:

Preparatory phase: participant selection, individual assessment, guidance and preparation before departure;
Welcome and orientation: airport reception, accommodation support, introduction to Palermo and practical information;
Traineeships: practice-oriented placements in local companies, associations and organisations, matched with participants’ profiles, skills and interests;
Italian language programme: practical and interactive lessons focused on everyday life and workplace communication;
Soft-skills workshops: non-formal activities addressing communication, teamwork, adaptability, intercultural cooperation and self-confidence;
Individual and group mentoring: continuous support, regular monitoring meetings and assistance throughout the mobility;
Sociocultural programme: visits, excursions and community activities to discover Palermo and Sicilian culture;
Monitoring and evaluation: attendance monitoring, participant reflection, tutor feedback and assessment of learning outcomes;

Follow-up phase: support for participants’ reintegration into education, vocational training or the labour market.

Results

The expected results of the project are:

Increased employability and professional readiness;
Development of practical and transversal competences;
Improved language and intercultural communication skills;
Greater autonomy, motivation and self-confidence;
Enhanced capacity to work in an international environment;
Stronger awareness of European opportunities and mobility programmes;
Improved access to employment, education or further training;
Creation of lasting cooperation between Spanish and Italian organisations;
Greater involvement of local companies and organisations in inclusive mobility pathways.