Servizio Cristiano’s purpose is to turn love of neighbor – agape – into direct action. Founded in 1961 by Tullio Vinay and a group of volunteers in the small town of Riesi in one of the poorest parts of Sicily, the Servizio Cristiano complex was designed in the style of ‘organic architecture’ by the famous Italian architect Leonardo Ricci and has been designated as part of the cultural heritage of Sicily.
Servizio Cristiano has a nursery, kindergarten, and primary school. More than 25% of Riesi’s children attend its schools. Its work is based on creative didactic methods of learning. At least 40% of the pupils in its schools come from socially and economically disadvantaged families.
Servizio Cristiano offers a wide range of services to improve the quality of life of people of all ages: speech therapy, psychological support, family support and mediation, counselling for victims of violence (especially women), support for children with learning difficulties, and psychotherapy for adults.
Servizio Cristiano is also engaged in organic agriculture. On 52 acres it cultivates olives, almonds, and vegetables.
Servizio Cristiano’s work is based on three principles: Living in solidarity; actively resisting illegality and the Mafia; and enabling sustainable development.