The restoration of Rione Sanità and Naples’ catacombs by Father Antonio Loffredo

““What we are doing in Naples’ Rione Sanità district, which has always suffered from unfair stereotyping, shows that change for the better is possible. Today we are confident that change can be made by putting people first, creating social inclusion, jobs and cultural growth. It is a slow but unstoppable process: once it gets started it is hard to stop.””

Investing in culture and social responsibility to help those in need. This is the objective of the “Catacombe di Napoli” project, part of our #FeelinGood for community well-being (#benesseredellacomunity) sustainability programme. Developed in collaboration with the La Paranza cooperative, this initiative has been set up within a challenging environment to help young people with a difficult past look to the future in a new way.

“We recognised ourselves in the children working with La Paranza’ in Rione Sanità, in their stories of a fresh start. So in 2017 we came up with the idea of supporting the catacomb restoration project, investing in culture and social responsibility. But that’s not all. We are participating in other initiatives in the Naples region. Through our projects, we want to offer opportunities to those who have none”, says Andrea Schivazappa - CEO of the Parmacotto Group.

Through art and culture, the “Progetto Luce” in Rione Sanità promotes the restoration of historical and artistic heritage, creating training and work placement opportunities for young people in the neighbourhood. The positive impacts and tools for engagement provided by this social inclusion initiative, promoting the social and economic rebirth of disadvantaged area, are multiple.