The House of Many Cultures
Written by: Margaret Kofron, a Global Missions Intern with the Middle East & Europe Region
Greetings! My name is Margaret Kofron, and I am honored to serve as a Global Mission Intern with Global Ministries. My journey began on December 1st in Scicli, Italy—a small town of nearly 27,000 residents located on the southeastern coast of Sicily.
I have been placed in Scicli to work with Mediterranean Hope, an organization dedicated to supporting migrants through its local reception center, The House of Many Cultures. This community center provides essential services to individuals in vulnerable situations, most of whom have recently arrived in Italy through Humanitarian Corridors. Currently, the center is home to approximately 40 individuals, offering them critical support as they navigate the challenges of resettlement. Like many migrants in the United States, both refugees and asylum seekers alike, those arriving here do not have immediate access to employment, making their transition even more difficult. In addition to adapting to a new culture and language, they face uncertainty in securing basic necessities. The House of Many Cultures steps in to bridge this gap, offering housing, meals, cultural orientation, language instruction, legal assistance, healthcare support, and more. The current residents include both family units with children—ranging from ages 3 to 19—and young adults.
As part of this mission, I work alongside two fellow volunteers, Paula and Friederika, to contribute to the hospitality efforts of the center. A significant part of our work involves language instruction, as learning Italian is essential for the migrants to integrate and secure employment. Three times a week, we support language courses to help them develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills. On the remaining weekdays, our activities vary—from playing soccer, creating art, to exploring nearby cities and beaches—all aimed at fostering bonds among the residents and their new community. In the afternoons, we assist with an afterschool program designed for first- and second-generation children. This program provides academic support to students whose families may not speak Italian at home. It is a unique and dynamic space where children from migrant backgrounds learn alongside their Italian-born peers, many of whom speak additional languages such as Arabic and French. This journey has already been a profound experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support and walk alongside these individuals as they build their new lives in Italy.
As my time volunteering at The House of Many Cultures comes to a close, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. My three-month volunteer term, due to visa restrictions, may have been short, but the experiences and lessons learned during my time here will remain with me forever. Throughout my journey, I’ve been inspired by the migrants I’ve met, whose strength, resilience, and compassion have left a lasting impression. They come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own challenges and experiences, yet they approach life with joy, kindness, and an unwavering sense of community.
Among those who touched me most was a mother of five children, all under the age of 11, who moved to Italy alone after the loss of her husband. At 34 years old, she had already overcome so many hurdles in her life that it left me in awe. I am 24, and her struggles—raising five young children alone in a new country—are challenges far beyond anything I could fully comprehend. Yet, despite it all, we found time to share many moments of laughter as we studied Italian together in class. This bond, rooted in shared effort and learning, was a source of great joy for both of us. Her strength and the warmth of her children continually inspire me. One day her youngest son, hurt his foot so he accompanied her to class. This was us, very focused, studying together (aka drawing) … We were almost at the same level of Italian.
In Scicli, where I spent my time, knowing Italian is crucial to engaging with the community. Most adults speak only Italian, and while the younger generation is taught English in school, it is still a select few who are confident enough to speak. Fortunately, I was supported by wonderful individuals like Paula and Friederika, who spoke perfect English and helped me navigate my transition into the community. I arrived around Christmas, and experiencing the local holiday traditions was incredibly special. During the after-school program, we had the chance to walk around town, singing Christmas carols with the children, lanterns in hand. The students from the local high school band joined us, filling the streets with festive music. It was a beautiful moment of shared joy that reminded me of the power of community and celebration. The tradition of children caroling around town, stopping at cafés, shops, and restaurants, is one that brings people together and creates a sense of belonging—something I’ll never forget!
As my final week arrived, I had the opportunity to participate in the vibrant and spirited Carnival celebrations in Sicily. Carnival in this region is a time of festivity, marking the days before the fasting of Lent begins. The town was alive with music, dance, and colorful costumes. The House of Many Cultures also held a special party for the children in our after-school program. It was a whirlwind of face painting, music, games, and snacks—a true celebration of joy and community. The picture below captures one of those special moments, with Friederika and I getting ready to face paint the kids, eager to start the fun!
The mission of Mediterranean Hope and The House of Many Cultures is clear: to create a safe and welcoming space for migrants and their families, fostering connection and understanding in an increasingly diverse region. While the people in our world may not be the same, it’s inspiring to see how organizations like Mediterranean Hope work to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, have the right to the same opportunities.
As my journey in Italy concludes, I’m excited to share that I will soon be moving to Beirut to work with The Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and the opportunity to learn more about non-profit work in the Middle East.
Thank you all for your support throughout my journey. I hope to keep in touch and share more of my experiences with you as I continue to grow and learn from the amazing communities, I am fortunate to work with.
Cheers and blessing to all,
Margaret Kofron
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.