One Page Summary

In order to gain work experience, develop social and professional networks, practice language, become more mobile between rural and urban areas and to overcome bureaucratic hurdles for refugees and migrants in Naples, the connect cafe concept was developed.

The tried-and-tested solution to overcome build a strong, fertile business growing ground which can provide social inclusiveness, help refuges and migrants enter the market, and solve the above mentioned problems would be to establish a low-key meeting place for commercial activity that is financially self-sufficient. This is combination of the solution from “het Blikspuit” and “Sudwest Fryslan Connect “in the Netherlands, which are both very successful.
The connect café is a gastronomic enterprise (non-alcoholic beverages) which is run through, with and by migrants and refugees. Whilst established organizations, take care of the bureaucratic and administrative procedures, such as rent, contract etc., and create breathing room for the target group, the target group can focus to develop skills.
The café serves as a place for the target group to gain work experience in gastronomy, but also to provide a space to sell, for instance, second hand clothing, crafts, paintings etc., and therefore have a space to build their own portfolio and CV in order to reach up to employment in other areas.