In June 2018 the Italian association Fobap Onlus (Fondazione Bresciana Assistenza Psicodisabili) based in the province of Brescia, received important recognition for its activity within the Francesco Faroni Training Centre, a project of excellence in Italy for supporting autistic children. Currently the Centre welcomes around 100 children and adolescents on the autism spectrum from the age of 2 years and upwards.
The European Citizen Award, established in 2009 by the European Parliament and now in its eleventh edition, awarded fifty people, associations and organisations from the 28 Member States that have distinguished themselves for their ability to “strengthen European integration and dialogue among peoples, and putting into practice the values of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU”.
In the coming months the prize winners will receive medals at national ceremonies, organised by the European Parliament’s offices in the Member States of origin. They will then be invited to Brussels for a European ceremony on October 9, 2018.
About Fobap Onlus
Fobap Onlus was established in 1982 on the initiative of Anffas Brescia Onlus. Its purpose is to contribute to the development of processes of social inclusion for people with disabilities, organising services at the national and regional level and, wherever possible, trying out new projects in the field of disability. Over time, Fobap Onlus has become one of the most important service providers for people with intellectual disabilities in the Italian province of Brescia, taking action to protect and promote human rights, improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and to fulfil activities in the field of social enterprise.
The association has 15 centres in the province of Brescia, including specialised autism centres, a residential centre, day-care facilities and even a hostel. Beyond this Fobap Onlus also offers training sessions in the field of autism.
It is not the first time that autism initiatives are awarded, in 2016, Autism-Europe member association also received the European citizen award in recognition of their activities.
The European Citizenship Award
Each year, the European Parliament awards “The European Citizen’s Prize”. This prize is awarded to citizens, groups, associations or organisations who have displayed exceptional achievements and/or outstanding commitment in the following areas:
- Activities promoting better mutual understanding and closer integration between citizens of the Member States or facilitating cross-border or transnational cooperation within the European Union.
- Activities involving long-term, cross-border or transnational cultural cooperation contributing to the strengthening of a European spirit.
- Projects linked to the current European Year.
- Activities giving concrete expression to the values enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.