A new concrete integration and inclusion project has been launched in the area: Lenet Group has decided to entrust the famous Bistro "Caffè al Volo" at the Thuniversum in Via Galvani (Bolzano) to the Sorriso Academy cooperative (a branch of the Il Sorriso association).

The cooperative offers real opportunities for work, knowledge, sharing and socialising to young people with Down's syndrome and cognitive disabilities, guaranteeing them a constant learning path, a stimulating environment and concrete opportunities to grow independently.

It all started with an article in the Alto Adige newspaper announcing the start-up of the cooperative and the search for funds and opportunities: after reading it, Lenet took up the challenge and entrusted the Bistro to the young people from the Sorriso Academy, who, with the strength of the experience they have gained over the years in the field of catering (and not only) during the summer courses, will be able to manage and work at the restaurant, becoming increasingly independent. An inclusive project of reciprocal collaboration that also aims to create value in the area, broadening the scope of the initiative: the Bistro, in fact, will be transformed into a meeting place dedicated to the entire local community and will enliven the city with brunches, musical events, shows and themed evenings.

The integration and reciprocal benefits between the two realities do not end here: in addition to entrusting Sorriso Academy with in-house catering services and developing numerous other initiatives together, Lenet will make some of the premises available for the theatre, cinema, art therapy, music therapy, yoga and mindfulness activities organised by the cooperative.

"We are happy and grateful to start the collaboration with Sorriso Academy, a reality that offers incredible support in the area - said Lucia Adamo, Chief People Officer Lenet Group - With them we share a vision focused on passion and dedication to work, respect, inclusion and wellbeing of the person: in Lenet, as in the cooperative, everyone has the freedom to express their potential. Lenet, as well as the cooperative, gives everyone the freedom to express their potential. It was therefore a natural approach to the Academy, with which we are committed to creating together an inclusive and ongoing project of exchange and reciprocity, which we are sure will bring value and benefits to many people: to the children, to us and to the entire local community.

We would like to thank Lenet for their support from the very beginning," said Simone Pantano, President of the Sorriso Academy cooperative. "For us, it was essential to create quality opportunities for the children, including a healthy working environment and a kind of continuous school. The aim is to expand the model as much as possible, trying to involve other local entities in common initiatives.

The THUN Bistro Caffè al Volo will serve breakfast, lunch, snacks and aperitifs and will welcome the citizens of Bolzano (and beyond) from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With the addition of the most important and (not so) secret ingredient: the smiles of the young people who, full of passion, enthusiasm and a great desire to do, have already won everyone over.