For years Centro Astalli has followed with great attention the presence of young afghans in Rome seeking protection. They are among the nationalities most present in the primary reception services offered by the Association to asylum seekers and refugees: the soup kitchen, the case management center, the school, and the clinic. Since January of 2010 Centro Astalli has accommodated, in convention with Roma Capitale (Municipality of Rome), 40 youth asylum seekers and refugees originating from Afghanistan in the dormitory of the Foundation Il Faro.

The Center is open from 6pm to 9am. Each guest has at their disposal a bed in a large room with six places; hot meals; and a common area where other recreational activities take place. The constant assistance of the social work staff and the presence of a cultural mediator/translator are also guaranteed.

 For Centro Astalli, the accommodation of Afghan youth is an important sign in a city like Rome, which is often in the spotlight for the presence at Ostiense train station of many young immigrants newly-arrived from Afghanistan. The best way to remove them from a more dangerous path is to personally know each of the residents, and to offer them a plan of autonomy through learning Italian, and an introduction to options for experience-building and employment.