People, values, and projects that make a difference
The Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation was created from a simple yet powerful dream: to give young Africans the opportunity to build their own future through education. A dream that took shape in 2007, when the Braglia family came into contact with the Ethiopian reality thanks to Sister Pinuccia from the Istituto Elvetico in Lugano and Sister Pina (Giuseppina Riotti), a Salesian missionary active in Addis Ababa for many years.
“In December 2007 a Salesian sister from Ethiopia, Sister Giuseppina Riotti, came to see us. Petite, with white hair and 50 years of mission behind her, yet with unprecedented determination and eyes full of light.”
(Riccardo Braglia, Social Report, 2023)
During that first encounter, the poverty of the Bole Bulbula district left a deep impression. It was there that the idea of building a school emerged: a safe, welcoming place where children could learn, grow, and dream. This is how the Auxilium School came to life — the first educational project, destined to become the symbol of a commitment that has continued to grow over the years.
“When Sister Pina told us about the need to build a school, we replied: ‘We will build it for you, sister.’ She was speechless and did not sleep for three days.”
The enthusiasm of the Braglia family quickly became contagious. Soon, a group of supportive and generous people joined them — including lawyer Paolo Bottini and Bishop Pier Giacomo Grampa. Together, they established the Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation: an independent, apolitical organization dedicated to supporting basic education in African countries, with particular attention to Ethiopia.
Over time, the Foundation has expanded its reach, bringing support to South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar, Togo, and Tanzania. In these regions — where access to education is often limited or entirely absent — every school becomes a doorway to freedom, dignity, and hope.
Today, more than 80 projects are active, reaching over 40,000 students. Each initiative is born from listening to local communities and developed in collaboration with missions and partners who share the same vision: to provide children and young people with the tools they need to build their future. These are not simply buildings — they are living places, where education becomes a chance for growth and redemption.
2023 was a year of both challenges and growth, marked by the passing of Sister Pina, whose memory continues to inspire every step of the Foundation.
“That encounter sixteen years ago changed our lives — and the lives of thousands of children in Africa. Through Christian joy and love, it made great educational projects possible, and these will continue into the future.”
Today, just as in the beginning, the mission remains the same: to let a new flower bloom in the heart of Africa — through education, solidarity, and the shared commitment of those who believe that changing the world is possible, one child at a time.
Each project is developed in collaboration with local communities and aims to promote education, personal growth, and sustainable development.
Support the mission of the Foundation
The Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation is recognized as a public utility organization, registered with the Federal Supervisory Authority, and all donations made are tax-deductible.
