Amica Acqua (Water as a Friend)

The Amica Acqua project, active since 2018 and relaunched in October 2025 to welcome even more beneficiaries, continues thanks to the Donors support.

Amica Acqua offers aquatic activity programs to 40 beneficiaries (mothers and children aged between 12 months and 10 years) from 9 different nationalities, all part of the asylum seekers and refugee protection system and referred to Sport Senza Frontiere (SSF) by 2 reception centers in Rome.

The lessons take place every Saturday at the UISP pool of the Fulvio Bernardini Sports Center in Rome, and are supervised by educators, many volunteers, and psychologists from SSF.

The aim of the project is to transform the emotional trauma experienced by refugee mothers

fostering a “new” relationship with water through the support of our educators and psychologists.

Each week, mother-child units gather in a space where they can practice sport and develop positive relationships; a safe space where their state of alertness decreases, allowing mothers in particular to improve motor skills and self-confidence, benefitting the parent-child relationship, of ten affected by the trauma experienced.

Thanks to the constant presence of educators and psychologists, this positive space encourages social inclusion, also helping to overcome language barriers.

THE INITIATIVE AIMS TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH SPORT, WHILE MONITORING THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF THE BENEFICIARIES.

The educators and psychologists of SSF, in collaboration with the instructors at the sports center, conduct continuous monitoring throughout the course.

KEY ACTIONS CARRIED OUT INCLUDE:

• Collection and updating of personal and descriptive information on each family unit, following the SSF Monitoring Protocol;

• Psychological counseling sessions to support the emotional and relational well-being of participants;

• Social and relational support;

• Assistance and supervision of minors during preparation and after classes in the changing rooms;

• Promotion of an inclusive environment, encouraging social interaction among participants.

The playful activities in water promote new friendships and bonds among children and adults. While mothers interact with volunteers and instructors, the children develop new skills and everyone gains greater confidence in water.

PROGRESS OF BENEFICIARIES ARE SIGNIFICANT IN VARIOUS AREAS:

Motor skills: improved water confidence and swimming abilities;

Psychological well-being: increased self-confidence and self-esteem;

Social relationships: improved group interactions and social skills.