International Migrants Day: Testimonials from our program graduates
On this International Migrants Day, December 18, 2023, we take a moment to acknowledge and honour the invaluable contributions made by millions of migrants globally, and at a local level, we are committed to growing the work of our association so that evermore, migrant women in Modena can access the network, opportunities, and resources to embrace their roles as leaders both in professional fields and as heads of families and communities.
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, we are happy to share some testimonials from our Culinary Program Graduates.
Aziza, 58, Morocco
She stepped into a fresh chapter of her journey, one that's deeply rooted in authenticity. Aziza set off on a journey to Italy in 1997 from Casablanca, taking with her the warmth of her big family - 9 siblings. In her cozy kitchen, Aziza transforms everyday meals into special moments. She sets colourful tables that reflect her love for both food and presentation.
"Roots gives you the support to see ahead, makes you understand how things are done here, opens a window for you to see the light!"
-Aziza, Morocco
Beauty, 26, Nigeria
In 2015 Beauty brought her positive vibes all the way from Nigeria to Italy, leaving behind her beloved mother and four of her brothers. Cooking is where Beauty's heart truly belongs, and she's on a mission to keep her Nigerian culinary heritage alive. Her secret? A direct line to mom for those treasured traditional recipes.
For Beauty, not forgetting her Nigerian roots has been an important part of her experience in the Culinary training program. From the moment she saw the Roots social media, she knew this was a different kind of restaurant. She saw women like her, dishes that she knew from home, and from the moment she walked in the door, she felt the warm embrace of welcoming team members, and she felt like she had just come home.
"Walking through the doors at Roots is like coming home after a three-year journey. There is a feeling of welcoming home from the first day."
-Beauty, Nigeria
Beauty, 54, Morocco
Bouchra's journey has been a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. After studying thermodynamics in Morocco, she earned a degree in software management in Italy. Her life took a new turn when she met her future husband, sparking her dream of creating a life in Italy, a place she had always admired for its history and culture. Early on, cooking seemed distant as her studies and work filled her days. However, motherhood ignited her passion for cooking. In the Roots kitchen, she discovered a world of limitless culinary possibilities.
"It makes you feel that you exist on this earth, that you are alive in this world and in this city. We are women with brains, with ideas and knowledge. We know we have so much to give to this society, and with Roots this is all possible."
-Bouchra, Morocco
You too can help empower migrant women
Our programs are made possible thanks to your support. With both monetary donations and in-kind products and services, you help our association and its members thrive through providing opportunities for migrant women in Modena.
“We don’t give them anything in terms of their power, their strength, but we create an environment where they feel they can finally express it.”
With your help, this year we have:
Created opportunities for women to gain skills and experience
More than 4300 hours of paid training for women highly motivated to become professional cooks
Provided ongoing development outside of the kitchen
We hosted accessible courses on important topics like understanding Italian work contracts, reading paychecks, and developing self-confidence
Graduated 11 women from 7 different countries
Women that, as part of our alumni network, accessed over 51 job opportunities in 2023.
Ten Nationalities, One Shared Mission
As we stand proudly on another International Migration Day, we remember that our mission is not just a statement but a living, breathing force for change. Through empowerment, compassion, and boundless support, AIW has become a vibrant tapestry where the strength of migrant women flourishes.
In their journey, we find purpose, and in their success, we find inspiration. Today, we celebrate not only migration but the strength, resilience, and dreams that have taken root in the hearts of the women we proudly call our community.
