The Story of L’Abbraccio ODV stems from a profound human experience within the community of Fubine, Italy. Following the sudden death of Paolo, a young boy deeply loved by everyone, friends and families chose to transform this grief into a concrete commitment to solidarity, first giving rise to the “Comitato Amici di Paolo,” and then to the L’Abbraccio association.
From the very beginning, the association developed a vision rooted both in human connection and in openness to the world. This is how, starting in 2005, the partnership with Benin and the Sokponta region began. The first volunteers did not arrive with preconceived solutions, but with a willingness to listen, to understand the needs of local communities, and to build lasting relationships.
Over the years, what began as a small solidarity initiative has gradually evolved into a larger, more structured project. The initial efforts, focused primarily on education and academic support, have evolved into a more comprehensive approach to human development and the defense of fundamental rights, particularly the right to health.
This evolution gave rise to L’Abbraccio Children’s Hospital, which has since become a major healthcare hub for the Collines Department. The hospital has grown gradually, strengthening its medical expertise, its international partnerships, and its ability to meet the region’s actual needs. Pediatrics, obstetrics, neonatology, surgery, nutrition, preventive care, and interventions in the most remote villages are now an integral part of this mission.
At the same time, L’Abbraccio has continued to evolve as a meeting place for healthcare professionals, volunteers, local communities, partner organizations, and international networks. Projects have expanded into the fields of agriculture, health education, women’s empowerment, and community development, driven by the conviction that health, dignity, and autonomy are deeply interconnected.
Today, the story of L’Abbraccio is one of continuous evolution: from a commitment born in a small Italian community to a network of relationships and projects capable of connecting different cultural and human realities, while preserving the same founding principle: transforming solidarity into a tangible presence, capable of growing and adapting to the needs of people and communities.