“Internet for Immigrants” is a reality today!

We recognized the humble need for internet access for the new residents of Poggio Alla Croce. In a makeshift school in the church basement, the dream became a reality today. Thanks to the contributors to the GoFundMe campaign, Internet for Immigrants And let us honour the hard work of all the volunteer teachers who consistently show up to teach […]

Continue reading


The Reluctant Teacher

My crazy Italian life continues… The Reluctant Teacher Willie, originally from Peru, sits on my left. He has been in Italy for ten years and wants to learn English. Samba, a refugee from Mali, sits on my right. He speaks a kind of French dialect and he’s here to learn Italian. I volunteer twice a […]

Continue reading


My Secret Thanksgiving

Last night, on what turned out to be American Thanksgiving, the African refugees cooked dinner in the Poggio Alla Croce community centre kitchen. Italians know very little of African food but after long discussions with the students, a shopping list was created. Two kilos of beef, okra, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, peanut butter and rice […]

Continue reading


Eleven things you should know before you work the Olive Harvest (especially if you want to be invited back)

Though the Olive harvest for 2016 is over, it’s not too early to think about being a part of the Raccolta  (harvest) in November 2017. Typically you will receive, among other things, free room and board from your host, in exchange for your help.  1.It is hard and repetitive work. You are not on the […]

Continue reading