About us

CESIE is a European centre of studies and initiatives established in 2001, inspired by the work and theories of sociologist Danilo Dolci (1924-1997).

Our Mission

To promote educational innovation, participation and growth.

Our Vision

The world is only one creature.

The World is a pomegranate

CESIE’s pomegranate symbolises the ‘fruitful’ unity of people and groups growing together under the same peel. CESIE’s pomegranate grows on all types of grounds becoming for us symbol of prosperity in education.

CESIE breaks with an ethnocentric global drive and focuses on individuals and diversity.

Doing so, we apply the teaching of Danilo Dolci who developed innovative educational nonviolent methods (such as the “strike in reverse” –working without pay- through which individuals initiated unauthorized public works projects, by and for the grass-roots in the ‘50 in Sicily).

CESIE’s world is upside-down!

Building on our experience and coherently to our story, we experience the possibility to overturn dynamics and approaches, aiming at a smarter and more sustainable worldwide future educational cooperation.

Our Activities are tailored for the following main target groups:

Our Team

individuals with a wide range of qualifications, skills and professional profiles

external experts

interns and volunteers who join us every year

President and Director: Vito La Fata | Vice Director: Marie Marzloff | Vice President: Daniele La Rocca

Departments

International Cooperation:
Letizia Portera

European Cooperation:
Rita Quisillo e Silvia Ciaperoni

Local Cooperation:
Tiziana Giordano

Units

Higher Education and Research:

Jelena Mazaj

Rights and Justice:

Noemi De Luca

Adult:

Rosina Ndukwe

Migration:

Daria La Barbera

School:

Irene Pizzo

Youth:

Giuseppe La Farina

Offices

Human Resources:
Rita Quisillo e Silvia Ciaperoni

Finance & Administration:
Mauro Cardella

Project Design:
Francesca Vacanti

Networking:
Maja Brkusanin

Visibility & Communication:
Alberto Provenzano

Moreover, CESIE benefits from a broad network of partners with more than 3000 civil society organisations, universities, schools, research centres, public authorities and private entities, youth centres, companies and entrepreneurs in the world.

Along with other institutions and organisations, CESIE is currently implementing over 120 projects in more than 80 countries.

Organisational structure

CESIE’s head office is located in the city centre of Palermo.

CESIE is accredited by the Region of Sicily for Orientation of Vocational Education and Training, with macro-typology of Higher Education and lifelong learning (LLL) for “development, introduction and implementation of reforms in education and training to increase integration and develop employability”, and therefore eligible as accreditation, certification and/or qualification body.

Our projects are co-funded by:

Work programme 2014 - 2020

At European and International level

EC DG EAC

Erasmus+

Key Action 1 – Learning Mobility of Individuals

Mobility project for VET learners and staff [hosting]
Mobility project for ADULT education staff [hosting]
Mobility project for SCHOOL education staff [hosting]
Mobility project for young people and YOUTH WORKERS:
1. European Voluntary Service – short and long [hosting & sending]
2. Training courses and seminars [hosting & sending]
3. Youth exchanges [sending]

Key Action 2 – Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Strategic Partnerships:
- Youth
- Adult Education
- School
- Vocational Education and Training
Capacity Building YOUTH
European voluntary service with Partner Countries – short and long [hosting & sending]
Youth exchanges with Partner Countries [hosting & sending]
Mobility of youth workers with Partner Countries [hosting & sending]
Sector Skills Alliances
Knowledge Alliances

Key Action 3 – Support for policy reform

Prospective Initiatives

Forward-Looking Cooperation Projects: EDUCATION and TRAINING
Forward-Looking Cooperation Projects: YOUTH
Structured Dialogue: meetings between young people and decision-makers in the field of youth

Sport

Support to Collaborative Partnerships

Creative Europe

CULTURE: Cross sectorial – Refugee Integration Projects

EC DG RTD

HORIZON 2020

Societal Challenges – Energy Efficiency – Market Uptake
Science with and for Society – Fostering RRI uptake in current research and innovations systems