“I Can Finally Do My Part”: ALMA Empowers Young Italians to Rewrite Their Stories

By all accounts, the story of Marcella Piras could have remained one of silence, invisibility, and quiet resignation.

At just 24, she had already weathered more than most: chronic illness, the isolation of being left behind by traditional education and employment systems, and the aching loneliness of feeling disconnected from society.

But thanks to an ambitious European initiative called ALMA and one life-changing journey to Seville in Spain, Marcella has begun to find her voice again.

The Second Chance

“I’ve always tried to raise awareness about fibromyalgia,” she says, her tone soft but resolute. “But I have two diseases, and only one is officially recognised in Italy. As a result, I was often unwell, which made everything harder, especially school and work.”

Marcella had left education with only an eighth-grade qualification, and after repeated setbacks, she found herself struggling to access further education, employment, or suitable training.

It was her best friend Lorenzo who told her about We NEET EU, a project under the broader ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve) initiative.

Implemented through the European Social Fund Plus Innovation+ initiative and co-funded by the European Union, ALMA offered young people a route back into society through a unique three-part structure: local training, a supported work-related learning experience abroad, and coaching upon return.

Marcella applied, uncertain of what to expect. “Seville’s climate was good for my health. I thought, maybe this is a chance – my second chance,” she says. And it was.

Finding Herself Far from Home

The We NEET EU initiative began with a few months of preparatory training, during which Marcella and 23 other young participants from Italy were taught various topics, including language skills, cultural awareness, and personal development.

In total, Marcella received over 60 hours of training before her placement, including a language class that strengthened her English and introduced her to Spanish.

“I wish we had done more Spanish before going,” she admits, smiling. “But I caught up, and living on my own helped me grow. I became more independent. I found myself.”

Marcella travelled from Brescia to Spain, where she took part in a work-related learning experience in Seville. Her role involved reception tasks: welcoming visitors in Italian, Spanish, or English, as well as managing documentation. However, the impact extended far beyond acquiring new skills.

“I have found very empathetic colleagues who immediately understood my issues,” Marcella says. “For the first time in a long time, I felt part of society.”

The placement wasn’t without its challenges. Being far from home, managing her medical needs, and adjusting to a new work environment could easily have overwhelmed her. But with ongoing support and a nurturing workplace, Marcella didn’t just cope – she thrived.

“I’ve met colleagues who will be in my heart forever,” she says. “The people I travelled with are still my friends. This experience has changed everything.”

Thriving After Being Overlooked

After returning to Italy, Marcella didn’t let the momentum slip. She reapplied for disability benefits, completed a 540-hour training course, and secured a job that suited both her aspirations and physical limitations.

“Thanks to the work-related learning experience, I’m currently working and want to continue on this path,” she says with a note of pride.

For ALMA project coordinators like Arsonela Sorra, stories like Marcella’s are the true measure of success.

“The change we see in these young people is tangible,” she says. “Fifteen out of the 24 participants found work or began new training courses after their placement. But more importantly, they returned with confidence, self-worth, and hope.”

ALMA’s structure is built for precisely this kind of transformation. It provides participants with the time and tools to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, learn at their own pace, and test their potential in a real-world setting that extends beyond their familiar boundaries. It’s a hands-on lesson in what’s possible – not just for personal growth, but for fostering cooperation across Europe.

“It has shown me that there are opportunities out there,” Marcella says. “Not just in Italy. Not just for people without problems. For people like me, too.”

Together Across Borders

ALMA doesn’t promise to erase the past, but it helps participants move forward with dignity and purpose.

“Take the courage to step out of your comfort zone,” Marcella urges other young people. “It can only help to have an experience abroad. There is something very healing about realising you are not alone and that other people, even in other countries, want you to succeed.”

While her view of a united Europe hasn’t fundamentally changed, her understanding of her place within it has. Now, she feels like a citizen with something to offer, not a problem to be managed.

The We NEET EU project, like others under the ALMA initiative, is a lifeline woven from empathy, practical support, and belief in the resilience of youth. It offers a framework where participants, often overlooked, can Aim, Learn, Master and Achieve.

Marcella’s story reminds us of the stakes: that the challenges some young people face are not abstract but deeply personal. And that the proper support, at the right moment, can open doors that once felt permanently closed.

It is a testament to how collaboration between EU countries can unlock opportunity, rebuild confidence, and ensure no young person is left behind. “Now, I feel like I can finally do my part, and that means everything,” she says, smiling.

Learn more: We NEET EU project

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