(ANSA) - Milan, October 1 - Lombardy regional governor Attilio
Fontana, at the presentation of the Union of African Communities
in Italy (UCAI), said uncontrolled migration from Africa causes
"serious damage" to those who arrive in Italy and find
themselves living in undignified conditions rather than having
solved their problems.
Fontana said that when young people leave Africa, it causes
an "impoverishment" in the continent, as young people are the
continent's "greatest strengths" and should continue to relaunch
it.
He said Lombardy is ready to do its part by supporting
training programmes to help those who want to return home with
new professional skills and abilities.
UCAI is the brainchild of African-Italian entrepreneur Otto
Bitjoka, and it was launched at Palazzo Lombardia, the seat of
the regional government.
It aims to promote the voluntary return of migrants to Africa
through a programme of professional training developed in Italy
in collaboration with and in synergy with African countries of
origin.
"Our goal is to allow 1,000 citizens a year to return to
Africa by offering training courses that give them the ability
to work and create development in their countries of origin,"
Bitjoka said.
Fontana praised the programme, and said he is looking at how
the regional government can contribute.
"The goal is to help those who want to return home a bit
better, perhaps with new professional skills, preparation and
the ability to help their nation grow," he said.
He said migration must be faced "in earnest and without
demagogy".
"Emigration is devastating for everyone, including for those
who integrate," Fontana said.
"That's why those who want to return to their countries of
origin must be given help," he said.
Fontana said the biggest effort, however, must be made by
Europe, which he said needs to invest in the African continent.
The region of Lombardy can do its part by investing in
training to better those who have emigrated to Italy, and it can
give them professional expertise that can contribute to helping
them relaunch their countries of origin, Fontana said.
Fontana says Lombardy will help migrants who want to return
Presentation of Union of African Communities in Italy