In Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, the temptation to emigrate to seek fortune abroad is great, but the results are often much lower than expected.

The project, lasting 6 months, offered young people from resident communities sources of livelihood that represented valid alternatives to departure and, at the same time, promoted the social and economic integration of returning migrants through training and employability.

The activities included the revitalization of the Social Center of Antula and the start of a tailor’s shop and a bakery/pastry shop.

As expected, the restructuring of the Antula Social Center, founded in 2009 by the local NGO Asas de Socorro, began. The center was equipped with 15 PCs with accessories, which were added to the other 5 already present and functioning in the Center.

Various activities began:

• 5 computer science courses of various levels, which involved and graduated 220 students.
• A course on the theater of the oppressed with 33 participants. At the end of the course, a theatrical performance on the risks of irregular migration was ready, thanks to which the inhabitants of the region were made aware of the subject.
• A short course on the production of video clips for 9 people, who were thus able to produce mini-documentaries on the youth problems of their neighborhoods.
• Beginning of the radio program with the community radio “Antula’s Voice”.
• Cineforum activities.
• Opening of the Social Center to the public, to allow everyone to access, thanks to the Internet, free courses (for example languages) or looking for a job.

The start of the tailor’s workshop required a restructuring of the premises intended for it (owned by the OJUBAP youth association) and the purchase of 10 pedal sewing machines. The tailor’s shop employs 19 suitably trained people, who deal with the repair of existing garments and the production and marketing of new clothes.

The bakery/pastry shop was built on land made available by the NGO Asas de Socorro, and equipped with all the necessary equipment. There are 18 suitably trained people working there, who are also specializing in a catering service.

With the aim of achieving greater efficiency and durability over time, the tailor’s shop and the bakery have a common Management Committee, which includes a treasurer, a production manager, an equipment manager and a communications manager.