NAPLES – On Saturday, April 5, at 12:30, the Real Albergo dei Poveri will host the first “Community Lunch,” a symbolic and participatory event that inaugurates one of the inclusion paths envisaged by the celebrations for the 2500 years of Naples.
Over one hundred participants are expected for this initiative, conceived by artistic director Laura Valente, which aims to promote integration through food culture and the sharing of knowledge related to Mediterranean cuisine. The meeting, organized in collaboration with universities, cultural institutes, associations and foreign communities, aims to transform a simple meal into an opportunity for exchange and knowledge.
The idea is inspired by the philosophy expressed in the film The Old Oak by Ken Loach: “When you eat together, you stay together”, a truth that resonates strongly in a context, such as Naples, where multiculturalism is an integral part of daily life. The table will be attended mainly by members of the international communities that live in the neighborhoods surrounding the Real Albergo dei Poveri, many of whom will be involved thanks to the work of the mediators of Spazio Comune, together with international students from the University Frederick II, engaged in Italian language courses.
The lunch is part of the dissemination activities of the TNE 2023 – PNRR SULIEIA (Supporting Universities in Digital Transition, Educational Innovation & Environment Protection) project, promoted by a consortium of five universities in Southern Italy – including Federico II, the project leader – with the aim of strengthening ties with universities in the Balkans and enhancing the internationalization of academic institutions. At the center, an ambitious program of scholarships, research projects, joint teaching and intercultural events.
The “Community Lunch” is also a concrete expression of the commitment of the participating universities towards social inclusion, in line with the UNHCR programs and with the initiatives for the right to education of refugees, such as the Manifesto for the Inclusive University and the UNICORE project. Particular attention is also paid to gender equality, through active policies and training courses to promote a more equitable academic culture.
«This project gives us the opportunity to come together, community and university, on a journey through cultures and flavors, and to share some dishes that speak of our common origins», commented Valeria Costantino, scientific director of the SULIEIA project. "Making this event part of the celebrations for Napoli 2500 shows how strong the will to build a shared future for our community is."
Even the city institutions underline the value of the initiative. "Sharing food as a practice of peace and mutual recognition is more fundamental than ever", said Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto. «The Real Albergo dei Poveri returns to being a welcoming space, where differences meet and transform into bonds».
Along the same lines is the Councillor for Tourism Teresa Armato, who highlighted how "Napoli 2500 represents a unique opportunity to mend the social fabric and rediscover the spirit of solidarity that has always distinguished our city. Sitting together at a table, sharing food and stories is a simple but powerful gesture that speaks of community and brotherhood."
Article published on 4 April 2025 - 16:21
