In Lebanon, at the door of the universe
On People and Mission, the story of Marco Perini who, through the Avsi Foundation, is dedicated to the poor beyond the Mediterranean
(by Stefano Femminis)
Perhaps the big media will discover Marco Perini only now that Lebanon is experiencing yet another stage of his decades-long ordeal (we write in mid-October, ed.). But he, to the Land of the Cedars (and beyond), has devoted years of energy, with the desire, in his words, to “do something for less fortunate people, born on the wrong side of the Mediterranean.”
Born in Biella 56 years ago, with a degree in political science, after an experience as a journalist, he entered international cooperation and for 24 years has been coordinating the projects of the Avsi Foundation (Association of Volunteers for International Service) in the Mena region, which includes, in addition to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya and Jordan.
An activity for which, on September 7, he was awarded the prestigious title of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, an honor bestowed by the Presidency of the Republic.
Marco has spent the last quarter century, for example, seeking resources for hospitals and giving a future to many children by helping them with study programs. A highlight is the Fadaii Space, a center devoted to education, sports and social activities.
Designed free of charge by the great architect Mario Botta, it stands in the Marjayoun plain in southern Lebanon and was inaugurated only two years ago. This is how Perini himself described the Center late last September: “Fadaii in Arabic means ‘my
my universe,” meaning the place where people find spaces and opportunities they do not have-from remedial schooling for vulnerable children to training farmers to cultivate the land without pesticides. Right now, Fadaii is right at the
center of the war between Hezbollah and Israel, and every day it rains bombs and planes break the sound barrier to scare people, and they succeed very well.”
But in his tireless efforts, Perini knows no boundaries.
Having received the award in Italy, before returning to Lebanon he went to Syria to check on the condition of the hospitals where Avsi is present with its Open Hospitals project, which in recent years has treated 170,000 people, poor among the poor, free of charge.
“Going back, would you make the same sacrifices again?” he was asked in an interview.
Marco Perini’s response was fulminating: “I would do it all over again, but I would start earlier.”
(Stephen Femminis, Popoli e Missione, November 2024, p. 43)
Source
- Popoli e Missione