A Place to Call Home
Written by: Margaret Kofron, a Global Missions Intern with the Middle East & Europe Region
Before arriving at Mediterranean Hope in Scicli, Sicily, I worked with a nonprofit called The Samaritans in Green Valley, Arizona, United States. These two organizations have had a strong partnership for several years, united by a shared mission: to offer humanitarian support to migrants facing life-threatening challenges. The Samaritans operate in the Sonoran Desert along the United States-Mexico border, spanning over 260,000 square kilometers. Tragically, the U.S. government has weaponized this desert landscape to deter migration through a policy known as Prevention through Deterrence. The idea behind this policy is to push migrants into more hostile terrain, hoping to force them to turn back or face death.
In response, The Samaritans conduct desert searches to locate and assist migrants. When they find them, they offer medical care, food, and water helping to prevent death in the unforgiving desert. The most significant obstacle they face is the extreme lack of water. In contrast, in the Mediterranean, the problem is the opposite—an abundance of water—but a perilous one. The sea becomes an obstacle to migration, with people risking their lives to cross it. Despite the difference in environment, the core issue is the same: migrants are being forced into vulnerable, dangerous situations because the proper channels for safe migration and support are either inadequate or nonexistent.
After a year of working in Arizona, I was curious to see what this kind of humanitarian work looked like in Europe. In November, I arrived in Scicli, Sicily, where I would stay for three months, working with Mediterranean Hope. Their program, The House of Many Cultures, functions as a reception center that provides support for migrants in the later stages of their journey. Rather than providing immediate aid, their work focuses on helping migrants—referred to as “guests”—transition and integrate into their new environment.
Upon arrival in Scicli, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality extended to the guests. They are not only greeted with open arms but are also offered comprehensive support: assistance with documentation, medical care, housing, food, schooling for children, language lessons, and help with cultural integration. This experience was new to me. While in Arizona, I supported individuals and families with basic needs. I had never been involved in the more complex aspects of immigration, like navigating the bureaucratic process or helping with language adaptation.
When I envision a world where people from all walks of life are welcomed with open arms, I dream of a world where every step of the journey is supported. Mediterranean Hope is making this vision a reality, one day at a time. When I arrived in Scicli, there were already guests being assisted in their integration. Most had arrived from northern African countries, traveling through humanitarian corridors, a safer alternative to the dangerous Mediterranean boat journey. Still, some had attempted the perilous sea crossing before. During my time in Scicli, I also had the privilege of welcoming a family of six from Afghanistan and a young woman from Iran of Afghan descent. Building relationships with each of them was deeply moving. The gradual development of these relationships, marked by trust and shared experiences, was both humbling and inspiring.
My work at The House of Many Cultures primarily centered around hospitality. Along with two other volunteers, I helped organize activities, including art projects, excursions to neighboring cities and beaches, soccer games, and supported language classes. I also assisted with an after-school program. Teaching Italian was challenging, as I didn’t speak the language fluently, and I often felt I wasn’t as helpful as I had hoped. However, I quickly realized that the value of our work went far beyond language instruction. The connections we made, the kindness we offered, and the relationships that we were building held just as much significance as the lessons in Italian. As humans, we are inherently social creatures, and when someone is forced to flee their home and move to a new country, these social bonds are vital. Simply being present, offering a smile, or sharing a conversation provides comfort and stability, helping to rebuild a sense of belonging and community.
Another area, I would like to highlight, where The House of Many Cultures is making a significant impact is in its after-school program. Designed to support children from diverse family backgrounds, this program helps those who may not speak Italian at home succeed academically. My mother often shares a proverb with me from the Maasai people. When greeting one another they ask “How are the children?” instead of the more common question “How are you?”. It’s a simple yet powerful measure of community health. If children are well, the community is likely healthy, but if they are struggling, it’s a sign that something deeper needs attention. The after-school program is a testament to this principle. By supporting children from diverse backgrounds, the program helps ensure that these young minds are nurtured, educated, and cared for. It was truly heartwarming to witness how children, despite their different backgrounds, behaved just like children: eager to learn, laugh, and play. Over the three months, we had our fair share of good days, okay days, and difficult days. But that’s the reality of working with children—not all days are great but all days offer us an opportunity for learning.
As we move into 2025 and beyond, I hope that as a global community, we learn to embrace each other more fully. I hope we see our differences not as barriers but as strengths. There is enough on this earth for all of us, and through shared humanity, we can build stronger communities, grounded in compassion, understanding, and solidarity. By being present for one another and fostering relationships, we can collectively create a world where everyone – regardless of where they come from – can find hope, safety, and a place to call home.
Margaret’s appointment with Mediterranean Hope is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, Week of Compassion, and special gifts. Make a gift that supports the work of Margaret Kofron.