STRAmoda 2026

STRAmoda 2026

STRAmoda 2026 is a project promoted by Fondazione Monnalisa ETS, in continuity with the experiences of Diversa Moda and the previous editions of STRAmoda, with the aim of supporting young people with mild intellectual disabilities towards greater personal, social and work autonomy, addressing in particular young people who have completed their schooling and are in the delicate transition phase towards the world of work.

The programme combines guidance, training, workshop activities and internships in the Foundation’s Charity Shops, with the goal of developing both professional skills and soft skills. In addition to the operational abilities typical of retail, expressive, communication and relational skills, as well as life skills, are strengthened—essential for job placement and personal growth.

The methodology adopted is participatory and dynamic, based on continuous monitoring and the active involvement of educators, professionals, families and participants.

The integration of hands-on experiences in the Charity Shops and workshop activities is the added value of the initiative, as it enables participants to gain concrete skills in a real setting, while simultaneously improving self-esteem, autonomy, relational abilities and anxiety management in social interactions.

Specific objectives include learning how the shop is organised, how goods are managed, customer welcoming and the store’s daily activities, as well as developing communication, self-determination, a sense of responsibility and self-efficacy.

The project also takes on a strong ethical and community dimension: it actively involves families in sharing results, promotes the exchange of skills and strengthens the link between the local area, social inclusion and job opportunities, contributing to building a culture that recognises the value of people with disabilities as active citizens.

The main action provides for the socio-therapeutic and rehabilitative placement of 30 young people with intellectual disabilities, mainly between 19 and 29 years old, within the Foundation’s Charity Shops located in Arezzo, Montevarchi, Cortona, Monte San Savino, Castiglion Fiorentino, Sansepolcro and Rassina. 

The project will last six months, from April to October 2026 (with a break in August), confirming Fondazione Monnalisa’s commitment to creating stable and replicable training and work-inclusion pathways across the area.