Associazione Il Ce.Sto. Onlus

Associazione il Ce.Sto. Onlus is an NGO based in Genoa, Italy. Since 1987, it is committed to promoting integration and social promotion among ethnic groups that live in the historic centre of Genoa, with a particular focus on minors, second-generation immigrants and all other subjects of the neighbourhood (residents, merchants, schools, institutions). The Association offers various services, among the others: the literacy course for adults, an informational and guidance helpdesk for migrants, the Social Centre for Children, the Social Centre for pre-teens and teenagers and activities of cultural animation and training carried out mainly in the club in Giardini Luzzati (Luzzati Gardens). From 2011, Ce.Sto. Association is involved in the project “New home Guarchi”, focused on refugees and asylum seekers’ shelter and guidance. The Association currently has about 20 workers and more than 80 active volunteers. The Association has managed over the years to build a space in which it develops and conveys educational, recreational and creative activities among minors of different ethnicities and Italians stimulating and encouraging positive relationships between people, gatherings, knowledge and mutual solidarity, thus providing pathways and tools to enhance and improve the potential of individuals and the community as a whole. Ce.Sto Association took over the management of Giardini Luzzati, a space that for long time has been in a state of decay and neglect. Giardini Luzzati are the subject of a restoring project that has made them a point of reference for the entire youth population and for many families that live in the historic center.