It was 1983 when the doors of a place opened which, on the initiative of the Department of Social Services (SeSi) of the Province of Cagliari , began its long work as a production and work cooperative to support the most socially fragile categories.
The Lantern has a story of promotion, hope and planning that spans four decades during which the main objective of the daily effort has never been lost sight of: overcoming the social disadvantage of citizens in a condition of marginalization.
The growth of La Lanterna can be traced back to its becoming a type B social cooperative: " From 1983 to today, La Lanterna has generated job opportunities for an annual average of 74 members and around 80 employees, perfecting a path aimed at job placements, donating thus a real perspective of personal and family life ", the President of the cooperative Maria Luisa Cuccu claims the fundamental mission of these years: concreteness in the opportunities for social and work inclusion.
Here, each project is subjective because it is centered on the peculiarities and history of the individual: " The real needs of the people we follow are focused, giving them the opportunity to experiment in productive contexts " - adds President Cuccu .
The motto of La Lanterna is a hymn to rebirth: flowers that learn to fly become butterflies. The path towards the new life is outlined, step by step, when those who desire it courageously challenge the gears of change. And they succeed, thanks to the support and training provided by the cooperative: and then trust. The one you gain from yourself, the one you get from others, the one that helps you get back on track and hope for a future illuminated by the best surprises. The merit of La Lanterna is to lay the foundations for each individual to be master of himself, of his own profession, of his own future.
"The fact that the cooperative is celebrating its fortieth anniversary is proof of its excellent success thanks to the leadership of its President Cuccu, whose human and relational qualities are recognized by all", the founder of La Lanterna , Doctor Marco Cabras , testifies to the pride in a reality that excels in Cagliari for its importance of shared intentions and values.
Here in 2018, the cooperative won funding for Diversity Management , included in priority axis 2 (Social Inclusion and Fight against Poverty in the EU) which outlines corporate practices aimed at inclusion.
" We want to continue to grow at the same pace that has allowed us to achieve numerous goals, making known our history and the dedication shared in each project ", the hope of , shared by the and the staff, highlights the sensitivity of a virtuous example that has accompanied the most fragile for forty years, making them stronger.