Cori.TheProject

Cori.TheProject is an NGO based in rural Sicily, working in inland areas where geographical isolation often overlaps with social exclusion. Our mission is to reduce the isolation experienced by the LGBTQI+ community and other marginalized groups, while promoting inclusion, participation, and equal opportunities through culture and community-based action. Our work is built on two main pillars. On one side, we focus on empowering young people and individuals with fewer opportunities, particularly those living in rural contexts, by creating safe spaces for expression, dialogue, and mutual support. On the other side, we use culture, art, music, and non-formal education as tools to foster social change, challenge stereotypes, and encourage more inclusive narratives within local communities. Through workshops, cultural events, and participatory activities, we support young people in developing skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. At the same time, we are currently working to build connections between local realities and wider national and European networks, helping rural communities access opportunities that are often concentrated in urban areas, including those offered by European mobility programmes. A key element of our work is the Paesello Pride Week, a community-based festival that reimagines Pride in a rural context, bringing together local traditions and contemporary struggles for rights, and attracting participants from across the region. This initiative reflects our broader vision: transforming small towns into spaces where diversity is visible, valued, and celebrated. Cori.TheProject promotes an inclusive and intersectional approach, addressing issues such as gender equality, accessibility, and youth empowerment. By combining creative practices with social engagement, we aim to contribute to the revitalization of rural communities and to build a more open, connected, and inclusive society. We are open to international collaborations mainly for Youth Exchanges, Training Courses and other Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, and we are interested in partnering with organizations that share our values of inclusion, participation, and social innovation.