At the heart of our work are people. This is why we are committed to building genuine, lasting relationships with our partners—connections that enrich everyone involved and go beyond the scope of individual projects.

Over the past few years, we’ve had the opportunity to broaden our cultural horizons by experiencing firsthand how things are done in different countries. In this spirit, we have often welcomed our long-standing partner, the St. Johannis Bernburg Evangelical Youth Welfare Foundation from Bernburg, Germany, to Italy.

Just last week, our friends and colleagues spent a week in Lucca for a cultural exchange focused on disability. Together, we designed a program that offered a comprehensive look at the life journey of people with disabilities in our context—from school education, to entering the job market, to achieving independent living.

During their visit, we organized meetings with school principals, organizations that employ people with disabilities, psychologists specializing in autonomy and skill development, job placement services, and residential centers. These encounters offered valuable insights into the Italian approach.

At the same time, we had the opportunity to learn about the German school system and compare our respective models—reflecting together on the strengths and challenges of each.

But the exchange wasn’t only about work. During their stay, the group also took part in Zefiro’s anniversary celebration—our annual gathering where we invite course participants, trainers, and friends to spend time together and share what we’ve built throughout the year. It’s a relaxed, informal event organized as a “bring and share” evening, where everyone contributes something—food, stories, music, or just their company. We were really happy to have our German guests with us for this moment of community.

We also explored some of the beauty around us, including a visit to Elba Island—because sharing culture also means sharing places, food, and time together.