The Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation was established in 2011, inspired by the experience gained by Riccardo and Giuseppina Braglia starting in 2007, after their encounter with Sister Pina Riotti and the missions of the Salesian Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. The first project came to life in Bole Bulbula, a poor suburb of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The initial goal was simple yet ambitious: to build schools where none existed, bringing education and hope to children living in the outskirts and rural villages.
Over the years, the Foundation has completed more than 30 educational projects in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation continued to support schools and children, providing food assistance even in the most challenging times.
Today, Nuovo Fiore in Africa is a vibrant community of volunteers, donors, and institutions, united by the belief that education is the true foundation of change. Every school built is a seed for the future. Every child who learns is a flower blooming for Africa.
Since 2016, we have been a member of FOSIT, a milestone that has further strengthened our initiatives in support of African communities. Being part of FOSIT certifies each year that the Foundation adheres to strict criteria and procedures, demonstrating our commitment to transparent and high-quality project management.
Through the connection with a Salesian nun from the Istituto Elvetico in Lugano, Sister Pinuccia, and the meaningful encounter between the Braglia family and Sister Pina (Giuseppina Riotti), a long-term missionary in Ethiopia, the idea was born to support the project “A SCHOOL IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.” The goal: building a new school in one of the poorest suburbs of Addis Ababa — the Auxilium School in Bole Bulbula.
The enthusiasm and commitment of the Braglia family soon attracted friends, supporters, and many people sensitive to education and international development. With the rapid growth of the project and the expansion of its goals, it became clear that a more structured organization was needed. With the support of Attorney Paolo Bottini and Monsignor Pier Giacomo Grampa, the Nuovo Fiore in Africa Foundation was officially established.
The Foundation expanded beyond Ethiopia and started a collaboration in South Sudan with the Salesian Sisters in the village of Tonj, where ongoing conflict has made it extremely difficult to establish a safe and functional school.
Three years after its official establishment, the Foundation continued its activities in South Sudan and Ethiopia, while also extending support to two additional African countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gabon.
On April 20, 2016, Nuovo Fiore in Africa was officially admitted as a member of FOSIT.
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.