Dal cemento della mafia al lavoro per i giovani: nuova vita per la villa del sacco di Palermo

The villa once belonging to Francesco Zummo, a prominent figure in the Palermo mafia, is set to become a new hub for young people in the city. The International Youth Centre, which will be operational by December 18, 2026, will offer 22 bed spaces for young people to learn a trade, receive services, and engage in activities. The villa, located in Palermo, was confiscated during the city's infamous 'Sacco' operation and is now owned by the municipality, which has allocated it to InformaGiovani APS ETS.

The project, led by InformaGiovani, aims to generate jobs and resources while maintaining the villa's use. Around 1.5 million euros in private investments will be poured into the project over the next three years, with between 20 and 25 permanent jobs created. The villa, with its 500 square meters and 17 rooms, will also host an outdoor garden, sportello InformaGiovani, Eurodesk, and the Europe Direct center.

Various workshops, sports, and environmental activities will be held there, along with a social garden. The initiative emphasizes sustainability, and all activities will be non-profit, with any profits reinvested in other projects. The villa's restoration represents a new beginning for the area, offering free services to over 450 young people annually, with special attention to those facing vulnerability.