“First Steps in Milan”: Ensuring Access to Educational and Childcare Services for Newly Arrived Migrant and Refugee Families

Milan, Italy

Mayor

Giuseppe Sala

Start of Project

10/01/2023

End of Project

09/01/2024

https://www.comune.milano.it/

Overview

The City of Milan pledged to enhance early childhood inclusion for newly arrived migrant and refugee families through First Steps in Milan, a two-generational programme providing early education, childcare, and caregiver support.

Reported Impact [as of November 2025]

With backing from the Mayors Migration Council’s Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees and in partnership with 13 civil society organisations, the initiative offered tailored preschool and daycare services to 320 migrant and refugee children and provided 250 caregivers with language training, psychosocial support, and job readiness courses. 

The project strengthened cross-sector collaboration and influenced city-wide approaches to inclusion. Milan also secured USD 400,000 in national funding to sustain and expand the programme into 2025. Despite challenges such as coordination adjustments and the need for project extensions to align with school years, First Steps in Milan stands as a model for inclusive, family-centred education and integration.

Call to Local Action - Priority Objectives

Providing access to urban infrastructure, social services, and education regardless of status

Realising socio-economic inclusion

Supporting reception and advancing community sponsorship initiatives