Martine

In recent months, we were joined by Martine, a 26-year-old woman from Guinea, for an extracurricular internship. With her kindness and consistency, she quickly became an essential presence in the workshop, and beyond.

The Importance of Learning Italian

“I arrived in Italy two years and one month ago, and I immediately started attending Italian language school,” Martine tells us. “I’m happy to learn the language and I want to keep improving more and more.” She explains that by coming to Spazio 3R every day for the past two months, she has already noticed progress and understands Italian better and better each day.

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Ironing and School Projects with Perlana

Martine already knew how to sew before arriving at Spazio 3R, but due to a leg condition she is unable to use a sewing machine. However, tailoring work does not stop there. She has become a key reference point for ironing, an essential step in garment production. “I’m learning how to iron very well. So far, I’ve ironed several bags, and now I’m working on T-shirts. I really like it!” Martine also took part in the Re-think New at School project with Perlana at the lower secondary school Luini in Rozzano, where she supported Surma in guiding students through an upcycling workshop. “I really enjoyed helping the students transform a T-shirt into a bag. I like being with young people and with many different people. It was also the first time I entered a school in Italy!”

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Finding Peace in the Workshop

When we asked her how she feels at Spazio 3R, she shared warmly: “I would recommend that everyone come here. This tailoring workshop is beautiful, and you feel good here.” She adds, “I love being here, and I like that we are only women. Where I was before, there were also men and I did not feel comfortable. Here everyone is calm. I feel very good with all of the women, and they are teaching me so much.” When asked about her future dreams, she explains that once her internship ends in October, she wants to focus on her health and undergo surgery on her leg so she can feel better. But one thing is certain: Spazio 3R will always hold a special place in her heart.